You may not know much about The Backyard Project unless you follow Urbane Design on Instagram. We are overjoyed that Austin Life Magazine has featured the project in their February issue. Check it out here.
Quincy Wakefield in progress.
The first artist Jessica brought on board was Quincy Wakefield. “When Jessica first mentioned the idea to me, I was blown away with excitement,” Wakefield shares. “She’s always been very passionate about art and humanity and I think this project is the epitome of both.” Wakefield painted his fantasy conceptual character Calhoun. He says, “I wanted to create the feeling of empathy, love, hope, and support. I thought that by painting Calhoun, it would bring a bit of fun to the project. It was a truly cathartic experience creating the panel. Having the opportunity to be a part of the project and create along side some of my friends and colleagues, was very fulfilling.”
Artist Feebee in progress.
Artist Matthew Trujillo in progress.
Matthew Trujillo titled his painting, “In the Midst,” explaining, “It’s a painting that I created in the beginning of the pandemic that represented focus on the light that is within us even through dark time. I wanted to recreate this piece because it was a message I was still really feeling at the time I was asked to work on the Backyard Project.”
Artist Mike Johnston with his completed piece.
Mike Johnston, aka Truth, whose golden rose now permanently blossoms in Love’s backyard, shares, “This project came at the perfect time. Work was slowing down because of the pandemic and Jessica reached out a lifeline. Not only was I pumped to get work, I was overjoyed to hear the artists had creative freedom. That’s a form of currency on its own. I’m grateful for her vision and I always love watching other artists create. It’s inspiring.”
Starla Michelle in progress.
Starla Michelle says the meaning behind her painting, “Open Heart Open Arms” happened after she painted it. She tells Austin Life, “I like to start most paintings without a sketch or plan and Jessica encouraged me with the words every artist loves to hear, ‘Do what you want.’ I started to paint a rose and it transformed into a hummingbird. After I was finished, the interpretation came to me. The hummingbird looked as if it had roses coming from its heart and its wings looked like an open hug. This is why I love to paint unplanned because it’s like solving a puzzle both in terms of interpretation of the artwork and in creation of it.”
Zuzu in progress.
Jasmine Gonzales in progress.
Niz and her complete piece.
The pair of Texas tiger swallowtail butterflies were painted by Niz. She says, “Typically I use yellow butterflies as a symbol for imminent change and for the beautiful result of transformation. I felt the light colorful butterflies would be a nice addition to Jessica’s unique backyard. I can picture these butterflies in front of the piece blending life and art.”
