Once I read Laurelin's bio and the description of her work on the wall, I realized that I could not do her justice with anything that I could write about her. I am a big fan of her work and I think I will let her speak for herself.....
As a person of blended ethnicity, I paint many of my subjects as racially ambiguous, which is what I recognize in my own little tribe. But my art has one foot firmly in fantasy, and painting mixed-race many times comes across as painting mixed species. It’s common for me to paint pride by adding antlers, freedom or promise is sometimes represented by wings, and those misunderstood might end up with scales, fins, snake tails, etc. Anyway, it’s not a science, just what feels right. The character I painted in this mural is something like a self portrait, I suppose in the way that all of my pieces are. Some think it’s a woman, but it feels male to me. He is pulling back the curtain on a new morning, looking directly at the viewer despite the timidity apparent in his long, drawn down ears. He is a scholar, a musician, and compassionate to others as evidenced by the things around him, but only in his little room. This is me, trumpeting the morning of my escape from old norms. I call it, “Newborn"
If you would like to see more of her work, check out Laurelin's website www.laurelingilmore.com and be sure to check out the new piece she is working on for the wall. 
--Kristina
How fantastic! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Julie | October 31, 2008 at 07:39 AM
Thanks for the write-up, Kristina! The piece has evolved a little since the last photos were taken, so come by and check me out! :) Thanks again for letting me be a part of this.
Posted by: Laurelin | October 31, 2008 at 02:13 PM
Your spot and the girl with the tattoo in prayer (who is that artist?) are some of the best works in the mural. I make an effort to walk down 23rd everday on my way to work. I noticed some changes in the upper right hand corner, are they of your doing?
Posted by: PDA | November 01, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Greetings Laurelin! So what are you doing with your extended space? The fish bowl looks awesome as does the horn. Everyone go to her website and view her work! She is a fantastic artist with great potential and a great laugh! She told me to say all that because she knows too many of my secrets and will hurt me if I don't comply :(
No seriously, like Laurelin I paint in oils, so this has been quite a challenge for me. But if us artsy types don't challenge ourselves, then our work will never grow. Your work came out nice and I too am greatful to eveyone at MAPS for this opportunity.
Posted by: Jeff Musser | November 01, 2008 at 12:29 PM
To PDA: Thanks for your kind words, and the artist who is painting the girl with the tattoos is none other than my good friend Jeff Musser. Check him out at www.jeffmusser.com to see the bigger collection. Be prepared to be wowed. See that, Jeff? I always repay my debts. :) And yes, the changes in the upper right hand corner are my doing. I should be finishing that up in the next couple of days. It was awesome for Claire to allow me to have those little spots, and I'm trying a different approach with them. I hope you like what happens with it, and with the whole wall. Stay tuned...
Posted by: Laurelin | November 03, 2008 at 08:50 AM