Artist Journal 9-10-07

We have been making good progress on the mural, but the October 6th deadline is looming. The weather has not been cooperating, either. Twice now, the rain has caught us and the paint has washed down the wall.

Not to be undone, however, we are bringing lights to the site and will continue to work into the night.

We have also been visited by several classes from St. Joseph, and are expecting Sallie Cone tomorrow. The younger students have been doing a great job, and they seem to understand this process (even the WHY behind it) even better than some of us "older" folk.

And lastly, I brought the flying kid model--my daughter, Lily--by the site to compare her portrait...she approved of it (by the way, she has had a haircut since the original pose...)

We will keep plugging away--see you soon~

-Morton

9-10-07

Artist Journal by Lauren Smith, UCA Student

8/28/08

When I first learned of Morton Brown coming to UCA to work on a mural in Conway I was exicited and intrigued. I love the idea of all of us working together to create something meaningful and beautiful for our growing city.

I went to a few talks and thought it was brilliant to 'spice' up Conway's main area. I was unaware; however, that I and the rest of my classmates would be joining Mr. Brown in constructing this mural. Honestly, I was a little intimidated. Large scale anything frightens me, and I have a strong fear of heights. Putting heights aside, I really was just nervous about being a part of something, that I had come to realize, was a really big deal for Conway and the community. I had no prior knowledge of how to create a mural or the process. I just knew you had to be a dedicated person...especially now that it is so hot outside. (and believe me, I wanted to give up on the first day when we primed in 103 degree heat. I didn't!)

I have learned a lot from this experience so far. Not only about the processes, which are extensive, but also the historical background of Conway. For me, this mural means more than just a mural for Conway. It is a test. A test to see if I can do it..to dedicated myself, to push myself, to not be afraid of painting something important to everyone, or even falling off a scaffold. :)

Lauren Smith
Senior