Description: “Somewhere Forever” is inspired by my Filipino culture and young, adult-life in Renton, WA. Growing up, I learned of a superstition that butterflies and moths are a sign of relatives who have passed making their presence felt. In the center is half of a Red Admiral Butterfly (left, most widespread in WA state, also known as Vanessa Atalanta), and Atlas Moth (right, the largest moth found in the Philippines (PI)). The transformation of a grounded caterpillar to a flying butterfly amazes me. I like to think that us humans become some sort of spirit in the afterlife and can reunite with one another.

The Filipino flag sun shines bright for all living creatures like the Maya, also known as the Eurasian Tree Sparrow, one of PI’s most common birds. The Red Rafflesia Speciosa flowers are parasitic plants and holds the recognition as the world’s largest flower found in the PI.

My parents house is surrounded by trees. We’d see deer families walking in our front yard which was a sight to see. When I attended Renton High School, my friends and I used to walk the Cedar River. Our mascot was the Indians at the time. My teachers motivated me to take up a career in storytelling and the arts, so I included Renton’s current mascot, the Redhawks, as a thank you.

I dedicate this mural to those living here in the Greenlake Senior Living community and to my loved ones passed who I keep in my heart. This mural celebrates the memories we make throughout life and with love, somewhere forever.