The Story Behind the Sunflower Mural
One of our most eye-catching things inside the studio is our sunflower mural. Sunflowers are Amy’s favorite flower, so it was only appropriate to have one somewhere. How lucky were we to have the locally born artist, Christopher Maslow, design & paint it?! We learned a little more about the talented man behind the paintbrush....
How long have you lived in the area?
Chris: I was born at Holmes Regional Medical in 1982 and lived here on the Space Coast. At the age of 18 I moved to Los Angeles/Orange County California. About 10 years later I moved to Miami part time before returning to Melbourne 5 years ago.
Does the sunflower mural have a name?
Chris: Exploding Sunflower
What was the inspiration for this piece in the studio?
Chris: The sunflower has a really peaceful vibe, from its smiley face, yellow petals to the grainy brown and gold center. I really liked the circular shape to Ian Soden's mural directly adjacent and wanted to balance the two. I had been experimenting with the rounded root basin concept in my studio with small watercolor paintings on paper. The circular concept fits perfectly into this criteria. The exploding pieces leave the perimeter of the circle in chaos while the center eye of the sunflower remains more controlled and focused representing a return to ones center for balance and clarity.
Is it true that you hide little things in your work?
Chris: Yes, I commonly hide three primary symbols but I sometimes include more. The three main ones are:
A little dog with its tongue out - This represents my dog Sebastian who passed away three years ago. Sebastian was my little red best friend that went with me everywhere.
The letter "N" with a heart around it - This represents my wife Nikki.
My son's name "INDIGO" - All of these different symbols are members of my family and are meant to remind them that they are part of everything I do and how much I think about them when I am away at work.
Are there any particular artists that inspire you?
Chris: There are soooo many artists that inspire me. My absolute favorite is Salvador Dali, but I am moved by so many others. I could go on and on about all the ways I am inspired by other artists but the greatest inspiration I find is when I see someone who is completely immersed in their artistry so much so that it becomes a way of life that they live constantly. It is as if their entire being is a work of art and everything they do reflects such.
When did you know you wanted to focus on being an artist?
Chris: Since a child I have always been an artist. In my early teens I knew that I wanted to be in a creative career, and around 18 I decided that I was going to be defined as an artist. I've never seen myself any other way since then.
What do you appreciate about being an artist in this community?
Chris: I appreciate the opportunity to create public works of art, I see it as a privilege to be able to do so. I feel like I have a social responsibility to give back to the community whenever I can because of the great acceptance I've received for my work.
What would you recommend to those who want to dive a bit deeper into their own creativity?
Chris: Consider diving in entirely and what that would be like. If it sounds appealing then go all in and never come back up. The most important thing you can do is create work, by any means. Just keep making work. There is no such thing as a great idea without execution. You have to make these notions become reality.
Do you have any projects coming up?
Chris: I currently wrapped up my first phase of projects at my Artist in Residence at Hotel Melby which consists of 3 murals and 3 installations in addition to digital design works.I am about to start a large mural for NASA at the Kennedy Space Center.My new 4,000 sqft gallery and studio will be opening later this summer in the heart of downtown Melbourne.
What else do you enjoy doing besides painting?
Chris: Spending time with my family and cooking. Fitness and surfing. I watch cartoons to relax when I'm off of my feet. Writing graffiti and making art that is entirely for myself. Traveling and experiencing new cultures and places.
Chris at his Mural Reveal Event at Hotel Melby
If you have been around the area, most likely you have seen some of Chris’s work on the side of a building or curated on a wall. If you want to keep up with what Chris Maslow is creating follow him on Instagram @christophermaslow or check out his website: www.christophermaslow.com