Golden Futures

This mural triptych entitled Golden Futures was completed by myself and three YouthCare art assistants, Dariann Demapan, Jasmine Gonzalez, and Jayvon James. I applied for this opportunity because I strongly believe that mentorship can change the course of a young person’s life. The three young adult artists each brought differing skills and levels of experience to the 6 week long working mentorship that included concept development, painting techniques, community engagement, and creation of the artwork. Additionally, we met with guest public artists and took field trips to local art institutions including the Wing Luke Museum and Wa Na Wari.

We decided to use the Japanese art of kintsugi 金継ぎ as a framework for our mural. This ancient method of mending broken pottery pieces with golden lacquer treats breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise. The metaphor speaks to the brokenness and traumas that all Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) communities have faced, as well as our resilience and absolute ability to heal, flourish, and continue to build this country. Each artist contributed concepts and the many hours of labor necessary to complete this large mural.

—Erin Shigaki

Here are some words from the young artists:

“I really enjoyed the mural project and my fellow teammates. I enjoyed their company and learning different styles of art. It really helped me open up more in my social life while giving me a purpose. I really enjoyed being taught by Erin and what she provided–care, understanding, and wisdom. I think it was the best project of my life and I was very blessed to be a part of it!” —Jasmine Gonzalez

 

“I loved my time at Youthcare's Mural Lab. I had a great time with Erin and the rest of my team working on this mural. At first I wasn't feeling it because I'm not a painter nor am I good at it, but after seeing everyone start their sketches I knew I had to start myself. It was hard trying to implement my comic style on very large canvases, so I decided to try drawing an astronaut in space floating around other planets. I sketched it and it turned out to be perfect for the large canvas. With that said I enjoyed my time there and with the people I worked with. I would love an opportunity to do something like this again.” —Jayvon James

“The YouthCare Mural Lab program was definitely a journey for me. It helped me grow in ways I didn’t understand. This program gave me a reason to get up every morning. It also gave me reasons to believe in myself.” —Dariann Demapan

Location: YouthCare facility, Denny Substation, 1250 Denny Way, Seattle 98109