Skip Navigation

Learn the process behind Ethan Murrow’s wall drawing

Learn the process behind Ethan Murrow’s wall drawing

July 18, 2016 // by MOCA Staff

What comes to mind when you look at a blank wall? Does it look like a boring, flat surface? A barrier perhaps?

Ethan Murrow Project Atrium Five Artists Draw Day 10 b
Murrow, Thony Aiuppy, Aaron Houser, Tony Rodrigues, and Roy Albert Berry work on the final day of drawing. Image courtesy of Denise M. Reagan.
Ethan Murrow Project Atrium Used Sharpies c
The artists used almost 800 Sharpie markers to complete the drawing. Image courtesy of Denise M. Reagan.
Ethan Murrow Project Atrium Aaron Houser Wrist Rest d
Aaron Houser uses a tool that allows him to wrest his wrist while drawing. Image courtesy of Denise M. Reagan.

For Ethan Murrow, that same wall holds an endless realm of possibilities. He sees a perfect space where infinite ideas can come to life. When others see a wall, they stop. Murrow uses the wall to travel forward into the imagination, a fantasy world where anything can happen.

Murrow's Project Atrium exhibition, Plethora, is a large wall drawing conjured by Murrow and brought to life by a team of artists. I was fortunate to observe the team throughout the process of creating this work. During the Third Thursday Tour: Ethan Murrow, I will share my experience watching the drawing process, discuss Murrow's prior works and some of the techniques used to create them, and provide a little background on the other artists who helped Murrow complete this piece. I'll even a give a brief drawing lesson so you can go home and try it yourself or take part in Draw and Drink on July 28.

If you've ever wondered how massive drawings are made, please join me on July 21 for this special tour. The tour is free for those who follow MOCA Jacksonville on social media. I look forward to showing you how this wall became Murrow's fantasy world and how you can make your own.

Ethan Murrow Project Atrium Under Ladder e
Ethan Murrow works on his Project Atrium wall drawing, Plethora, on the ninth day of the installation. Image courtesy of Denise M. Reagan.
Ethan Murrow Project Atrium Fish Bread Detail f
Image courtesy of Denise M. Reagan.
Ethan Murrow Project Atrium Artichoke Detail g
Image courtesy of Denise M. Reagan.
Ethan Murrow Project Atrium Aaron Houser Final Touches h
Murrow and Houser add the final touches to Plethora. Image courtesy of Denise M. Reagan.
Ethan Murrow Project Atrium Completed Wall i
Murrow's Project Atrium wall drawing, Plethora, is on display through October 30. Image courtesy of Denise M. Reagan.

Search


Topics


News
Curatorial
Education
Events
NOLA MOCA
Archive

Top Stories


Contributors


Support