About

I am an Oakland resident, high school science teacher, and until recently, closet artist. I've been painting, sculpting and drawing my whole life but I largely kept this interest to myself and friends.

​The uprising that came in response to the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Oscar Grant, and so many other victims of systemic racism is changing my relationship with my art. The day after protests rocked Downtown Oakland Friday May 29, 2020, my friend, Jonathan DeLong, called for volunteers to help clean up the glass and maybe paint something on the plywood. We thought if the new boards had art, the local and black-owned businesses beneath might be spared from further damage.

I knew the protests were just and yet still felt that letting the city infrastructure crumble would exacerbate problems for the underserved and disenfranchised community that lives here. It was evident that my mural could not simply offer a pretty placation. It had to amplify the message of the protests and offer a hopeful vision of a future not yet realized.  This was my first mural.

Raised Fists Blossom asserts that if we take action together in this struggle for the heart of America, something more beautiful and socially equitable can flourish. Something we have not yet experienced. While I was painting, passers-by made it clear that the message was understood, welcome, and by some, needed. I am honored that my piece has received attention alongside the amazing art of other muralists like those captured in photography by Brook Anderson  and the Good Mother Gallery among others.

To see more about what's happening in Oakland, check out the news articles linked below. This is a grassroots effort that sprung into being. It must be nurtured so it can continue to grow. It's a good step on a long journey.

Now that the mural is complete, I believe it can do more. I've begun a fundraiser using the image to support the immediate needs of the black community, address institutionalized racism in the police force, and amplify black voices. So far, you can pre-order a t-shirt with the image through the local screen printing shop, Oaklandish. All the proceeds will go to the organizations I have listed on the fundraiser page. More creations are in the works so check back!

Related News & Links

​NBC Bay Area / June 8, 2020
Artists Turn Downtown Oakland into a Gallery with a Message
San Francisco Chronicle / June 9, 2020
Oakland Artists, Community Members Create Murals in Solidarity with Black Lives Matter.
SF Gate / June 9, 2020
Oakland Artists unite in Historic City Takeover
NPR - KQED /June 10, 2020
California Report
Medium/July 24, 2020
An Accidental Organizer: Protests, Murals, Tears and Growth by Jonathan DeLong

Get In Touch
If you have questions or comments about my art, the Raised Fists Blossom mural, or the Bloom for BIPOC fundraiser please email [email protected].