Post Date: 09/08/2020 5:00 PM
OCALA, Fla. (Sept. 8, 2020) – The City of Ocala, through its Cultural Arts and Sciences Division, announces the launch of the mural Life Cycle, inside the courtyard at the Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway Street. Nationally recognized artist, and Ocala native, Drake Arnold began painting the new mural Tuesday, September 8.
“Drake Arnold, a local artist and member of both Magnolia Art Exchange and Marion Cultural Alliance, is gifting this mural to the community,” said Laura Walker, Cultural Arts and Sciences Division Head. “This piece will provide a dramatic backdrop to an arts space that all community members may enjoy.”
The concept for this mural was inspired by Arnold’s homestead that he began creating with his family last year. After developing an intense passion for gardening, a variety of animals including chickens, ducks, turkeys, a rabbit and a pig were added to the thriving farm, creating his own paradise.
While working with his easel on the back porch, Arnold was inspired by the beauty of watching the fruits of his labor grow. Seeing the transformation of the flowers pollinated by the insects, then experiencing the growing fruit and seeing the life cycle start all over again, the concept for the mural was born.
“It is easy to get lost in the modern world. For instance, by purchasing food from a grocery store, it turns our direct connection with our earth into a mental abstraction, it severs our connection to the source of life, to the ebb and flow of nature and her bio-rhythms.” said Arnold. “This mural is intended to re-inspire that natural connection within the observer. For too long man has attempted to establish dominion over nature, tragically assuming we are somehow separate from the rest of the earth. May this artwork serve as a reminder that, far from separate, we are all one unified and continuous whole with our environment.”
About the Artist
Drake Arnold is an artist working in both traditional and digital media. He uses acrylic and aerosol for his
work when painting on canvas or wall surfaces. His digital projects include creating animations and interactive design work for such applications as projection mapping, 3d printing and virtual reality. His work can be described as containing elements of psychedelia, fantasy, nature, surrealism, and classical inspiration.
Ocala Cultural Arts
The City of Ocala offers many visual and performing art opportunities in city spaces. Public art is complimentary and is intended for everyone to enjoy. Detailed information about current programming and future projects can be found at www.ocalafl.org/culturalarts. Self-guided public art tours are available at Ocala.oncell.com.
For more information, please contact the City of Ocala Cultural Arts at 352-629-8447 or artinfo@ocalafl.org.
