Chicken Tortilla Totem (i love mcdonough mural)

June 25, 2019

Each mural project I do is an adventure. Each project has its own set of ups and downs, foot-stomps and high-fives. Some are harder to finish than others and some flow out quickly. Sometimes I am surrounded by people or working as part of a crew or team. Sometimes I am a wild man in the desert, working all alone in the solace of summer heat.

Last week, I spent some hot and stormy days painting in McDonough, Georgia just south of their town square. I grew up in Henry County so to be able to create a large outdoor mural in Mcdonough was exciting for me.

This mural also had many ups and downs. I don’t know about other artists, but for me, murals like this one take so much mental and physical effort that sometimes they can lift you high but also can almost break you. Last summer in Nashville I painted for a week by myself on a busy city street and at one point I had to adopt a mantra of “Get Tuff for Teddy” to get through the July heat and exhaustion. Luckily this time, I was supported by local friends and their network of art supporters as well as a restaurant called Pasta Max, whose owners Doug and Barbara treated and fed me like a happy hungry king.

Even though there were a few moments that were challenging, McDonough showed me a great amount of LOVE and support. So many folks yelled “Looking Good!” and “Way to go!” as they drove and walked by. One lady offered to make me a cake and plenty of others bought me a coffee. I am thankful to all of those kind folks.

I could go on and on and on but let’s just say that the McDonough project was a true joy for me. The kindness and support I was shown from the city leaders to the small child walking by and asking questions was really heart-warming to me. I was even asked to return and give a little talk to the city council meeting where I got to address the Mayor and City Council Members about my art and what I do and what my art means to me. That was an honor.

A summer block party is being planned for the community to celebrate the new mural which is located on the side of Pasta Max facing Queen Bee Coffee.

Thanks to those who made this mural possible. Your hard work to make the mural happen and financial support of my artwork is very humbling. Thank you McDonough.

see you soon,
Kyle BlackCatTips Brooks