This time last year, two River Arts District artists started a collaboration: a ceramic mural which is currently being pieced together by artists Alex Irvine and Kathy Triplett. The mural was commissioned by Brian and Gail McCarthy, [owners of the Odyssey Center and Highwater Clays] and the initial blueprint was centered around water, something that effects us all in multiple ways.
In the center of the mural stands a five feet long ceramic man, unofficially nicknamed Clingman, wading through the water and gripping tightly to a coffee mug. According to the artists, the man represents the district in general, artists, visitors and locals blending together to create a community and explore art. The coffee mug is a wink to what keeps many in the community going: a fresh cup of coffee from the Odyssey's neighbor Clingman Cafe.
Irvine and Triplett spent the last year doing prep work for the 10 x 20 mural. Forty-five plaster molds were used to create the water portion of the mural, with the pieces repeating themselves about five times. Irvine spent a month testing the glaze and color for the water portion and, 250 test-tiles later, he found the perfect periwinkle blue/sea-glass green color that will withstand acid rain and other heavy weather conditions.
In the center of the mural stands a five feet long ceramic man, unofficially nicknamed Clingman, wading through the water and gripping tightly to a coffee mug. According to the artists, the man represents the district in general, artists, visitors and locals blending together to create a community and explore art. The coffee mug is a wink to what keeps many in the community going: a fresh cup of coffee from the Odyssey's neighbor Clingman Cafe. Irvine and Triplett spent the last year doing prep work for the 10 x 20 mural. Forty-five plaster molds were used to create the water portion of the mural, with the pieces repeating themselves about five times. Irvine spent a month testing the glaze and color for the water portion and, 250 test-tiles later, he found the perfect periwinkle blue/sea-glass green color that will withstand acid rain and other heavy weather conditions.
The next week and a half the remaining tiles will be pieced together, filling in the golden sky and grouting the wall behind the “joints”. The artists are looking for extra hands for the remaining weeks, so if your in the area, grab some coffee and lend a hand to the inspiring Odyssey mural.
The official unveiling date for the Odyssey mural happens on Thursday, November 10. Clingman Avenue Extension will be shut down for a street party celebration two days before the River Arts District Studio Stroll.
Visit Irvine's website at www.alexirvineceramics.com to see the mural's step-by-step process with pictures and explanations.
The official unveiling date for the Odyssey mural happens on Thursday, November 10. Clingman Avenue Extension will be shut down for a street party celebration two days before the River Arts District Studio Stroll.
Visit Irvine's website at www.alexirvineceramics.com to see the mural's step-by-step process with pictures and explanations.
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