Corolla

Artist's Statement: Corolla refers to a garland or, in botany, the inner rings of leaves of a plant. In either case, the spirit is that of the circle, of nature, of beauty, of protection. The artwork is a pair of long, horizontal graphic compositions, scaled for the four inner niches of the northeast and northwest walls of the rooftop of the Information Technology Department Headquarters building. The two murals are of a canopy of leaves with emphasis on how light passes through and onto the round leaves. Although graphically stylized, the images are based on the Western Redbud, a California native.

The viewer is situated as if they are looking through the canopy to an open, atmospheric space beyond. The effect is to both give a sense of refuge and afford the opportunity to let the mind wander, inspired by nature. While Corolla doesn’t literally encircle the rooftop patio, it provides a protective membrane between the viewers and the rest of the urban world.