Aquatic Pixel Mural for Riverhead
What is it? Blue.EXE is a mixed media mural project celebrating our local aquatic ecosystem in the 21st century. The mural depicts ocean life native to Long Island Sound, drawn digitally in a pixelated style reminiscent of late 80’s/90’s video games and the current indie retro revival. It is inspired by the importance of the Long Island Sound to our community, Riverhead’s location near the water, and meshing those ideas with a digital theme that is fitting for today. The mural was applied to boards with wheatpaste and installed behind the playground near Grangebel Park.
This project was done through East End Arts’ JumpstART initiative to help artists learn the business side of art and execute a public art project to benefit the Riverhead community. More info here: http://www.eastendarts.org/programs/jumpstart.html
The Finished Piece!
[above photos by Denise Civiletti for RiverheadLOCAL]
Early Concepts
A practice board showing what the wheatpasted pixel art will look like.
Who is making it?
Samantha Neukirch is an illustrator/artist from Long Island, NY. She has an AAS from Suffolk County Community College and an AAS in Illustration from the Fashion Institute of Technology. She spent her time in college under the mentorship of the late illustrator Jeffrey K. Fisher at the Drawing Studio LI, taking figure drawing, location, and professional development classes. She has shown recently at Ripe Art Gallery, Glitter Milk Gallery, Hutchins Gallery, and Paper Doll Vintage Boutique. She works during the day as a store artist for Whole Foods, so she can work on personal work and illustration at night. Sam’s work can be viewed at www.samdoesart.com.
[Photo by Denise Civiletti]
How can I help?/What do I get out of this?
You can help this mural become a reality by donating to this campaign! You can contribute any amount you wish, but at set amounts you can get cool stuff like t-shirts, hand decorated coasters (with a mug!), original art and more!
In addition, all donors who donate $5+ will receive a thank you postcard in the mail once the project is complete!
Press
http://www.riverheadlocal.com/2015/06/12/colorful-aquatic-themed-mural-will-brighten-downtown-playground-installation-planned-for-jumpstart-15/
http://www.riverheadlocal.com/2015/11/16/perseverance-and-practice-in-art-and-life-colorful-mural-finally-installed-in-grangebel-park-playground/#
http://riverheadnewsreview.timesreview.com/2015/11/69592/artist-unveils-pixel-art-aquatic-mural-at-riverheads-community-garden/
