Going Behind the Scenes with Celeste Byers | Fear No Art

TL;DR

Celeste Byers discusses her transition from creating small illustrations to painting large-scale murals, her work's relationship to viewers, and the importance of addressing social and environmental issues in her art.

Transcript

hi i'm laura bullock i'm the curator of fear no art civic engagement histories currencies and today i'm here with celeste byers to interview her about her work so celeste was born and raised in san diego she went to high tech high and arts center for college and currently lives and works in san diego but her work can be seen across the globe she mo... Read More

Key Insights

• 👨‍🎨 Byers transitioned to painting large-scale murals after being commissioned to paint her father's airplane hangar.
• 🗺️ She traveled the world painting murals and enjoys being part of different communities.
• 🥰 Byers sees street art as important because it is accessible to everyone.
• 😃 Byers finds joy in uplifting viewers and using her art skills to address social, environmental, and political issues.
• 💦 Byers mentions a hidden native plant mural in Serena Valley and another mural near City Tacos on Roselle Street as notable work in San Diego.
• 🥰 Byers believes that art has the power to bring people together and create a sense of community.
• 👨‍🎨 Byers reflects on her memorable experience painting a mural in Cancun, Mexico, and collaborating with the local community.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Celeste Byers transition from creating small illustrations to painting large-scale murals?

Byers studied illustration in college and was asked by her father to paint a large mural on his airplane hangar. This experience opened doors for her to paint murals for dispensaries and later led her to travel the world to paint murals.

Q: How does Celeste Byers see her work's relationship to the viewer?

Byers enjoys painting on different sites and engaging with people. She feels that painting on the street allows her to connect with different communities and brings her joy.

Q: Do you have a favorite mural you have painted in San Diego?

Byers mentions a hidden native plant mural in Serena Valley and another native plant mural near City Tacos on Roselle Street as some of her best recent work.

Q: Why does Celeste Byers believe it is important to address social and environmental issues in her artwork?

Byers believes that art can be a tool for spreading awareness, positivity, and uplifting spirits. She wants her work to have a positive impact on viewers and create a sense of community.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Celeste Byers transitioned from making small illustrations to painting large-scale murals after being commissioned to paint her father's airplane hangar.

• She got hired to paint dispensaries by her doctor, who was opening multiple dispensaries.

• Byers traveled the world painting murals and finds joy in being part of different communities and spreading positivity through her artwork.