DiscoverOlogies with Alie WardField Trip: I Take You to the Making of a Mural
Field Trip: I Take You to the Making of a Mural

Field Trip: I Take You to the Making of a Mural

Update: 2024-10-30
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This podcast delves into the world of murals and street art in Philadelphia, specifically focusing on the Front Street mural project. The episode features interviews with artists Grace, Iris Barbie Pendergrass, Emanuel Wisdom, and El Toro, who share their experiences and insights into the creative process. They discuss techniques for scaling designs, using different mediums, and overcoming challenges like weather and street lights. The episode also highlights the importance of community and collaboration in the creation of public art, showcasing how murals can transform public spaces and bring people together.

Outlines

00:00:00
Mural Art in Philadelphia: From Inspiration to Creation

This episode introduces the topic of murals and street art in Philadelphia, specifically focusing on the Front Street mural project. It also includes a shoutout to the show's patrons and a review from a listener.

00:01:40
The Art of Mural Making: Techniques and Challenges

The episode dives into the process of creating murals, featuring interviews with artists Grace, Iris Barbie Pendergrass, and Emanuel Wisdom. They discuss techniques for scaling designs, using different mediums, and overcoming challenges like weather and street lights.

00:23:36
El Toro's Sweet Dreams Mural: A Colorful and Playful Creation

The episode continues with an interview with El Toro, a street artist known for his colorful and playful style. He discusses his design for a food-themed mural, his use of stickers, and his inspiration for creating art that appeals to children.

00:31:16
Outro and Secret of the Week: A Recap and a Call to Action

The episode concludes with a recap of the field trip to the mural project, a thank you to the artists and sponsors, and a call to action for listeners to suggest future field trip locations. The episode ends with the host's "secret of the week," which is the comfort and style of turtleneck tank tops.

Keywords

Mural Arts Program


A non-profit organization in Philadelphia that promotes public art and community engagement through murals. They provide resources, training, and opportunities for artists to create murals throughout the city.

Street Art


Art created in public spaces, often without permission, and typically characterized by its use of spray paint, stencils, and other unconventional techniques. It can range from graffiti to elaborate murals and is often seen as a form of social commentary or self-expression.

Parachute Cloth


A lightweight, durable fabric often used in mural making as a transfer medium. It allows artists to create a large-scale, transparent print of their design, which can then be painted over on the wall.

Doodle Grid


A technique for scaling up a design for a mural by using a grid of random doodles or squiggles. The artist takes a photo of the grid on the wall and then superimposes it over their digital design, using the doodles as markers for placement.

El Toro


A street artist known for his colorful and playful style, often incorporating candy and other nostalgic elements into his work. He is inspired by the Philippine water buffalo and his art often reflects a childlike sense of wonder and joy.

Q&A

  • What are some of the challenges of creating murals in public spaces?

    Artists face challenges like weather, street lights, and the need to work quickly to complete their projects. They also need to be mindful of the environment and the people around them, as their work can be influenced by these factors.

  • How do artists scale up their designs for murals?

    Artists use various techniques, including parachute cloth, doodle grids, and grid systems. These methods allow them to transfer their designs onto the wall while maintaining the scale and perspective of the original artwork.

  • What are some of the unique aspects of Philadelphia's mural scene?

    Philadelphia is known for its vibrant and diverse mural scene, with a wide range of styles and themes. The city's Mural Arts Program plays a significant role in supporting artists and promoting public art.

Show Notes

A donation went to Mural Arts Philadelphia

Conrad Brenner / Streets Dept
Instagram | website

Mural Arts Philadelphia
Instagram | website

Donna Grace Kroh
Instagram

Iris Barbee Pendergrass/ These Pink Lips 
Instagram | website

Emmanuel Wisdom/ Unapxlxgetiq
Instagram | website

Michele Scott / Mr. Scooot
Instagram | website

Justin Nagatalon / El Toro
Instagram | website

Emily White (wasn’t in the ep but was the 4th muralist of the set)
Instagram

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Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jacob Chaffee

Managing Director: Susan Hale

Scheduling producer: Noel Dilworth

Transcripts by Aveline Malek 

Website by Kelly R. Dwyer

Theme song by Nick Thorburn

 

 

 

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Field Trip: I Take You to the Making of a Mural

Field Trip: I Take You to the Making of a Mural

Alie Ward