Situation

As a class assignment, I was tasked with creating a mural for one of the exterior walls of Kamphoefner Hall, a building within the College of Design. The objective was to emulate the style of a chosen artist in our designs.

Task

I selected Steve Wolf as the artist to emulate, drawn to the modern, intricate, and colorful nature of his work. My goal was to design a mural that incorporated elements reflective of NC State University, landscape architecture, and the local Raleigh area while maintaining Wolf's artistic language.

Action

In developing the mural, I incorporated the following elements inspired by Steve Wolf's style:

• Use of Squares: The design is structured around square shapes, providing a cohesive framework.

• Geometric and Organic Shapes: A blend of precise geometric forms and natural organic shapes adds visual interest.

• Layering: Multiple layers create depth and complexity within the mural.

• Color Scheme: Predominantly utilizing NC State's colors, with certain elements diverging to add variety.

Each square contains patterns or images symbolizing:

• NC State or the Wolfpack: Representing university spirit.

• Landscape Architecture: Reflecting the building’s academic focus.

• North Carolina or Raleigh: Highlighting local identity.

Specific examples include:

• Sir Walter Raleigh: Depicted in the second square of the second row, honoring the city's namesake.

• Oak Tree, Acorn, and Oak Leaf: Featured in various squares, inspired by Raleigh's nickname, "The City of Oaks."

• Raleigh's Official Logo: Included in the second square of the last row, representing the city's emblem.
  

Result

The completed mural design successfully integrates Steve Wolf's artistic style with meaningful symbols related to NC State University and the Raleigh community. The use of squares, geometric and organic shapes, layering, and a thoughtful color scheme creates a visually engaging piece that resonates with both the university and local culture. This project received an A.