Magu Mural Intern Team

 Katie Dinh is a California artist inspired by imaginary worlds, the radiance of nature, and the human experience of wonder. She creates for a love of process and as an act of appreciation of beauty. Through multiple mediums, she seeks to explore themes involving emotional journeys that often time involve traveling through fantasy landscapes. For her, making art is a pursuit of stories yet to be told.

Project Reflections:

Entering the project, I expected to learn processes of art-making I had yet to try and be inspired through exposure to the history and experiences of artists who have been working in the field for a long time. I was excited to gain insight on the East Los Streetscapers’ mural creating process and use some materials either in a different way than I was used to or for the first time. While working hands-on with Wayne and David, I enjoyed working collaboratively with the other artists on the team. Though quarantine restrictions cut off the amount of time we were able to work on the project with them, the time I was able to spend helping set up the materials and mural outlines was very educational. As I had been hoping, I was able to learn techniques that I will be able to use in future projects. It was my first time working on such a long term project that involved multiple artists, and seeing how Wayne and David meticulously set up the process with the smaller sized draft and the grids to transfer a small design to a large surface was very interesting to see. I also tried to observe carefully as they split up the process from sketch to applying a chalk grid and painting in the lines, and ultimately how they added in blocks of painted color and more details. As they told us about their lives, one thing that stood out to me was their ability to make time for these big projects through different stages of their careers. Though not all of their daily lives revolved around creative-based professions, they were able to incorporate ideas and patterns of thoughts from other disciplines to their artwork in unexpected ways. One of the most important things I learned from this experience was the idea that the creative process of a project as big and stretched out over time as this one is can become a living process. Even with the mural still in progress, it’s clear it has changed from the beginning concepts as it inspired those working on it in later stages to add ideas that weren’t in the initial design. I hope to be able to apply this flexibility and mindset to future projects I embark on.

 Art is everything. A goal would be to make a living from my creativity. At an older age I appreciated music, and became more interested in the process of creating music. I wish to create a big enough collection of music to complete an album. A combination of art and music that opens another door of creative potential. I'm a huge fan of animation work that inspires me to be involved in the creative process and find new avenues to explore and conquer.

Project Reflections:

My name is Eduardo De Los Rios and I was born and grew up in Pomona. I was lucky enough to be one of a few individuals who had gotten an opportunity to work on the Magu Mural Project, a tribute mural dedicated to Gilbert "Magu" Luján. I was invited by the dA to work on the Magu mural as an apprenticeship under Wayne Alaniz Healy and David Rivas Botello, the East Los LA Streetscapers and personal friends of Magu. I jumped at the opportunity to work on such a large work with such well renowned and respected artists. Wayne and David are very knowledgeable, kind, and thoughtful individuals with a passion for the work that they do. Their approach to their work was very structured and well planned out with a high level of attention to detail at every step. The artwork itself is very dynamic in its composition with a high level of detail using various iconography, interesting figures in dynamic poses, geometric elements that help to reinforce perspective, and a unique use of juxtaposition of colors and texture that give it that signature style that they are so well known for. You could tell by the fluidity of the workflow and the confidence of their brushwork that these are individuals who have had many years of experience working on such large works. Their teaching approach was very hands on and direct and I would consider it a great overall learning experience as you could not get the same level of attention and feedback in most classroom settings. The mural was making fast progress but unfortunately due to covid many of us were unable to continue work on the project as it had to be restricted to just Wayne Alaniz Healy, David Rivas Botello, and Benjamin S. Botello for the time being due to potential risks. Even though many of us are unable to contribute to the mural directly for the time being, we have still taken away many lessons and a better understanding of the process behind such large works. Many of us have also taken inspiration and techniques and have applied them to our own works and in our own workflows and processes. I'd like to think that we've all taken away the confidence that we can work on very large scale works without it feeling like such a donating task to achieve with our renewed understanding. I'm very glad I have gotten the opportunity to be part of such incredibly meaningful work that will have such a positive impact on the local community and I hope for the Magu Mural to be enjoyed by many passersby and onlookers for many years to come. 

 I am a self taught serialism painter. As a kid I always like drawing until after high school I started working with canvas. Canvas and brushes are the initial mediums of my creativity but I am now expanding those limitations, murals being a prime example. Art is a special way to express what can’t be put into words by a limiting vocabulary. My art allows people to experience different emotions and the vast interpretations that lie within it. I hope that people can feel as though they are on vacation from reality. My work exposes people to the raw emotions that are inside of every living being. I want to be a great artist. 

Project Reflections:

Where to begin?

I was blessed to be a part of this historic mural which is being put up in the heart of Downtown Pomona's Artist colony. Nonetheless a tribute mural to the late but great Magu. Chosen by the Pomona Art Commission to paint this mural was legendary East Los Street Scrapers.    

(who is magu)

Gilbert ``MAGU" Lujan was born and raised in California. He was a contemporary artist and teacher,  taught La Raza studies in Fresno and Art at the Claremont colleges. MAGU more than anything was a great art leader and visionary, by going against the grain and branching out the roots of chicano art when European art was the leading influence in Los Angeles at the time. In the journey of his career, Magu was a member of Los four.. A force to reckoned with. Later he touched down in Pomona and was a very active member of the arts colony community. He inspired and touched many hearts. Now he will be Immortalized in the heart of the city that he once illuminated. 

MAGULANDIA, the theme of the mural. Derived from Magus vision and Imaginary utopia. In the mural you will find many of Magus' great gems like Mental Menudo, his passion for cars and the great way he depicted them and his toony characters that he painted.

Personally I didn't know anything about Magu or the history of the Pomona arts colony. It’s hard to believe being raised here and an artist. But in the past few years I did learn a whole lot about his contribution to the community, especially the chicano arts. Looking around I find it hard to believe that this city was once shining with an art culture and the heart of the arts colony had a healthy beat. Almost envious by just thinking of it, but a good feeling came with it as well. This beautiful city was once alive with creativity. I and other fellow artists that I had the chance of meeting along the way can feel a new wave approaching, the way the city was before the pandemic was a sure sign of it too. Now it feels like the eye of the storm and a bit desolated, but one thing's for sure. This mural which is in the process will spark a light of energy and beauty in this city. By the people for the people. political, controversial and a blanket of recognition to this city's residents. Something that has been missed and long overdue.

 (ELS)

East Los Street Scrapers is a team of two East Los Angeles artist's David Botello and Wayne Haley. Painting murals in L.A and around the Country they bring a unique style of Raza/ surrealism and originality to every piece they create. Without going too in-depth about their history, there is no question why they were chosen by the Pomona art commission to execute Magu's tribute Mural. 

(Working alongside E.L.S)

Being offered this chance to paint with these great artist's was a no brainer, an opportunity of a lifetime. Besides constructing the panel in which the mural was going to be painted on It was an honor. Learning their process and seeing the way they go about it was a learning experience, something I felt comfortable with because their methods are something that clicked. 

Definitely a big step into painting murals, one thing that I was always nervous about. The large scale of this mural felt like confronting a fear that's been holding me back from pushing my art career to the next level.

Getting to know the artists on a personal level was a plus. Two genuine individuals who have a great passion for what they do. I first hand saw why they hold the title they earned, unmatched skill and passion. Their murals are a living thing, continuously adding to it as time passes. In some ways easter eggs, but mostly very blunt and in your face. One thing I appreciate from these guy's is how environmentally aware they are and try their best to reduce pollution by their own signature methods of conserving and recycling material.

This experience feels like stepping to the plate of a world series pitcher and batting with little training compared to the experience they gained throughout the years.

Project Reflections:

My name is Jelani Abdul Lateef, and I am currently working with the dA Center For The Arts and East Los Streetscapers towards the completion of the "Magulandia In Pomona" mural project. It's been an honorable experience and opportunity to work side by side with two renowned artists who have an extensive background in mural design. Their knowledge and approach has influenced my personal work as a painter, and the possibilities of pursuing public mural projects.
Their personal relationships with the late Magu has taken shape in the layout and aesthetic of the mural and will serve as a lasting impact for the city of Pomona. In my opinion, the process of grids to elaborate layers of paint and design can only be appreciated through an in person experience. Which I am forever grateful for being a part. David Botello and Wayne Healey are both down to earth and positive, but it's apparent that they are still serious about their cause. 
I have decided to paint their portraits in watercolor and incorporate some of the colors schemes from the mural design. The process is based on several reference photos that I have collected and my personal approach to life drawing. My goal is to combine the art direction with their portraits to capture the experience, I am forever grateful for the time spent.