Artist statement

“‘Somewhere Forever’ is inspired by my Filipino culture and young adult life in Renton, Washington. Growing up, I learned of a superstition that butterflies and moths are signs from relatives who have passed and are making their presence felt. The center is half red admiral butterfly (Vanessa atalanta), the most widespread butterfly in Washington state, on the left and half Atlas moth (Attacus atlas), the largest moth in the Philippines, on the right. The transformation of a crawling caterpillar to a flying butterfly amazes me. I like to think that we humans become some sort of spirit in the afterlife and can reunite with one another.

“The sun of the Filipino flag shines bright for all living creatures like the maya (or Eurasian tree sparrow), one of the Philippines’ most common birds. The red Rafflesia speciosa flowers, parasitic plants that hold the recognition as the world’s largest flower, are also found in the Philippines.

“My parents’ house is surrounded by trees and deer families walk in their front yard, which is a sight to see. When I attended Renton High School, my friends and I used to walk the Cedar River. 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.

“This mural is dedicated to those living in the Greenlake Senior Living community and to my loved ones who’ve passed whom I keep in my heart. This mural celebrates the memories we make throughout life and with love, somewhere forever.”

~ Shayla, ConceptShell