Title: If you tend to a flower, it will bloom, no matter the weeds that surround it
Location: Holyoke, Massachusetts, USA
Artists: Claudio Picasso + BKFoxx
For: Beyond Walls
Year: 2023
Photo Credits: BKFoxx (1), @just_a_spectator (2-3)
““If you tend to a flower, it will bloom, no matter the weeds that surround it”
These two murals, painted by BKFoxx and me, were created this summer for Beyond Walls in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
Holyoke was once a place of great wealth, industry and innovation. The past century as been difficult for the proud town. Drugs, crime and joblessness have taken their toll on the small community there. We wanted to paint something that spoke to the people there; a message of determination and hope.
Chris and Chelsea, (sister of BK) are no strangers to struggle and adversity. Having met just over a year ago they quickly fell in love and are now engaged. They recently opened a bakery together in Maine. They have been able to and accept each others flaws and issues, understand and support each other, press forward.”
Claudio Picasso
“These two walls are portraits of my sister, Chelsea, and her fiance, Chris.
They met last year, and became attached to each other very quickly.
Nothing has been easy for my sister. She has struggled with addiction, amongst other things in her life. From what I know, Chris has also had a hard life.
I have realized that rather than loving her despite her flaws and issues, I think he loves her more for them, because she understands what it is like to suffer.
Many of us find a way to continue to get up day after day and press forward in spite of all the pain and suffering. And often it can be something beautiful when you are able to recognize it in another, and give them some relief in knowing that they are not alone.
We went to Holyoke and noticed it was one of those old Northeastern towns that 100 or 200 years ago was thriving, and now, not so much.
In an area that has seen its own hardships and continues to press forward, we recognized this kind of love, devoting time and energy to help those who are struggling.”
BKFoxx
USEFUL LINKS CLAUDIO PICASSO:
Claudio Picasso in this blog | Website | Instagram | Facebook
USEFUL LINKS BKFOXX:
BKfoxx in this blog | Instagram | Facebook fan page
Categories: OperArt, Street art
Barbara Picci 