Artist Brandon Marshall recently completed a mural on the west wall of our building with the inspirational words "Grind Til You Shine." The mural also contains symbols and imagery that came directly from Brandon's brainstorming session with Jobs for Life participants where they discussed the beautiful things and the challenges that they see in their community. (SEE FULL ARTIST'S STATEMENT BELOW). The mural has serpents to represent the fall, circling arrows to represent renewal and change, and an apple to represent a plant bearing fruit. When asked what the phrase "Grind 'til you shine," meant to him, participant Walter Brown, said "Staying down for what you really want, working until you get a better outcome." There's much more packed into this beautiful piece; stop by to see it and learn more. More pictures from Art for Jobs are here; thank you for supporting this event!
ARTIST'S STATEMENT
Because we talked so much about the importance of Booker T. Washington in the community, we wanted to use some kind of reference to the school itself. We mentioned how something having to do with the mascot, "The Warriors," could be a good metaphor to relate to the mission of Advance Memphis, as well as a reference to the people in the neighborhood, encountering their own day to day battles, and fighting for their families. This is why I adopted a traditional Native American art motif: I think that it's unique, transcendent (which also relates to the Gospel) and relates to Battle and the Supernatural.
Another important element that kept being mentioned was the Grizzlies basketball team. While I did not feel a straightforward Grizzlies logo would be appropriate, I did choose a Bear as the central figure for the piece. The Bear is not only a subtle reference to the Memphis Grizzlies and the Spirt of Grit and Grind, but it also represents strength, persistence, and overcoming hardship. It is framed by two wings with Crosses in them to symbolize freedom within the Gospel.
You will notice that below the bear figure are two serpents, which is a reference to the Creation & Fall story in Genesis. The snakes are placed below the Bear, encouraging the viewer to rise above temptation. You can also see that within the snakes there are the three circular arrows which refer back to the Negative Life Cycle that so many become trapped in. Again, this is a reminder to the neighborhood, and especially the graduates to rise above the temptation of becoming stuck once again in the Cycle. Above the Bear there is a small Apple, which is a Biblical Reference to Bearing Fruit. These things are strategically placed above the serpents as things to focus on and strive for. Because they are at the top in the hierarchy of scale, they become more important.
I also used the image of Hands 'holding' Hope, as well as Arrows pointing up based off a sketch that one of the people in the class did. I'm not sure if the wall will permit for this exact composition, but if need be I can use the Hands on the sides of the mural.
One of the other things the class mentioned that was unique to the neighborhood was the movie Hustle and Flow, and how it was filmed in the area. While we could all agree maybe the message about the lifestyles of the characters in the movie was not appropriate to reference, the class did say that it was important to note that everyone in the neighborhood had a hustle. Everyone had a Grind, whether that be washing cars, cutting grass, and so on. No one could deny that inside of every community member was the God-Given desire to work hard and enjoy the labor of their hands. So something I thought of that might speak specifically to the community was the phrase, "Grind Til You Shine." Maybe unconventional, but I believe everyone who lived in the area would appreciate it.
Thanks, Brandon.
Another important element that kept being mentioned was the Grizzlies basketball team. While I did not feel a straightforward Grizzlies logo would be appropriate, I did choose a Bear as the central figure for the piece. The Bear is not only a subtle reference to the Memphis Grizzlies and the Spirt of Grit and Grind, but it also represents strength, persistence, and overcoming hardship. It is framed by two wings with Crosses in them to symbolize freedom within the Gospel.
You will notice that below the bear figure are two serpents, which is a reference to the Creation & Fall story in Genesis. The snakes are placed below the Bear, encouraging the viewer to rise above temptation. You can also see that within the snakes there are the three circular arrows which refer back to the Negative Life Cycle that so many become trapped in. Again, this is a reminder to the neighborhood, and especially the graduates to rise above the temptation of becoming stuck once again in the Cycle. Above the Bear there is a small Apple, which is a Biblical Reference to Bearing Fruit. These things are strategically placed above the serpents as things to focus on and strive for. Because they are at the top in the hierarchy of scale, they become more important.
I also used the image of Hands 'holding' Hope, as well as Arrows pointing up based off a sketch that one of the people in the class did. I'm not sure if the wall will permit for this exact composition, but if need be I can use the Hands on the sides of the mural.
One of the other things the class mentioned that was unique to the neighborhood was the movie Hustle and Flow, and how it was filmed in the area. While we could all agree maybe the message about the lifestyles of the characters in the movie was not appropriate to reference, the class did say that it was important to note that everyone in the neighborhood had a hustle. Everyone had a Grind, whether that be washing cars, cutting grass, and so on. No one could deny that inside of every community member was the God-Given desire to work hard and enjoy the labor of their hands. So something I thought of that might speak specifically to the community was the phrase, "Grind Til You Shine." Maybe unconventional, but I believe everyone who lived in the area would appreciate it.
Thanks, Brandon.
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