Six artists, three weeks, three shipping containers, one Muralthon. Six new murals mark a step forward for Muralgarten, a unique destination that will combine public art and native plantings adjacent to The Shirt Factory in Glens Falls. The vision of Eric Unkauf (owner of The Shirt Factory) with the support of a board including Tom Myott, Hannah Williams, Kendra Farstad, and Matthew Martindale, Muralgarten seeks to give artists the creative freedom to paint what they want, in the style that they want.
We’re excited to introduce you to another one of the talented artists behind Muralthon’s six murals, Rodney Allen Bentley, and his yellow breasted chat mural, which was inspired by the spirit of upward movement after the pandemic.
On Becoming An Artist
I recall my 2nd grade teacher whispering to my mother during Parent Night, “Rodney’s painting is very good”. The bright colored finger painting expressed both wonder and silence, reflecting the morning’s hush of falling snow softly coating a postman delivering Christmas cards. The scene seemed rhythmic and reflective childhood feelings of joy, calmness and comfort. Throughout high school, I learned different art techniques and tools from a very talented instructor until graduation. I never followed the path of creativity after graduation, as I was recruited and rewarded with a lengthy JCPenney corporate management career.
Twenty five years later, following a fall at my residence near Philadelphia, I was rushed to a hospital specializing in neurology and induced into a coma. My diagnosis included a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) reflecting in three subdural hematomas (bleeds in the brain) and upper spinal damage. Being at the critical level, surgeons informed my family that my possible survival rate was twenty percent or less. During the ongoing recovery process I relearned reading, writing, arithmetic and speaking. I did not realize at that time that creativity would become a healing catalyst for me.
My family, which includes my mother and my siblings, recognized the seriousness of my condition and ensured I was returned to my birth town, Glens Falls, near where they reside. I felt it was important to become a positive contributor to the community.
Spot Coffee would soon officially open and unknowingly become my public art studio for a number of years, allowing me to become unofficially recognized as “artist in residence”. From early morning until late night, I practiced pencil and charcoal drawings as cafe patrons passed by and complimented my work. Before long I was commissioned and began creating pet portraits and holiday scenes followed by historic architecture, residential architecture and much more.
My gallery work has been exhibited and sold both locally and nationally, as well as internationally awarded. I am honestly humbled and spiritually enlivened to share and open unknown doors through creativity. I have begun writing my memoir, reflecting upon many humbling life moments and hoping to inspire many. Limited samples of my work may be viewed at www.rodneyallenbentley.com and I take requests for family portraits, pet portraits, home renderings, commercial renderings or holiday work via email at thruhishands@gmail.com
On Inspiration
The inspiration for this mural came from my feelings during COVID. I was very limited to paint colors and supplies as factories were closed worldwide. Although most people felt fear and darkness during that time, I somehow felt solace and enlightenment.
The wide black border and the brilliance of the Utah blue sky backdrop shows the contrast between the darkness of COVID and newness arriving. The yellow breasted chat vibrates with brilliant yellow, soft oranges and hint of salmon, all representing a new sense of calmness. I chose the chat’s wings spread to support an angelic sense of movement upward toward the celestial orb. Adding a soft gray to the whiteness of the leaves hinted a three dimensional view. The orb, in the upper right, supports divine enlightenment and spiritual upwardness and inwardness for those that passed during COVID.
On The Process
The metal shipping container was a very unique canvas as the approximate size of a shipping container is 8 feet high, 8 feet wide and 40 or so feet in length. They are designed with 8 inch continual waves within the metal so they can interconnect similar to Legos. The waves of metal, however, do not easily allow a straight line to be drawn, so adjustments are necessary and seeing the completed work at different angles allows viewers to see it differently as well.
Eric Unkauf, the owner of the property, took great care in prepping the surface by sanding and sealing, thereby allowing paint to adhere nicely. I purchased the best quality exterior latex paint and took great care in choosing and mixing the correct paint colors to complement and reflect brilliantly in the completed 8’x10’ canvas. Initially, I painted the entire large backdrop of the canvas with double coats of a single brilliant color which then allowed pieces of white chalk to sketch in the vision. The process is technical initially, as planning is a must, but once the chalk is sketched in, the work comes to life.
Lastly, once the mural is completed, a strong clear sealer is administered to protect from weather and any other oddities that attach on the canvas.
I want to express deep appreciation to both Hannah Williams and Eric UnKauf and their long term Muralgarten vision as well as all of the board members.
On Glens Falls Favorites
Glens Falls has many wonderful places to visit. We have the Hyde Museum, the Chapman Museum, the Children's Museum, LARAC and a tremendous amount of fine dining establishments supporting various cuisine. We also have have the Glens Falls Orchestra, Park Theater and the Wood Theater.
I don’t necessarily land at one exact location after completing my work as I am very social and love conversations at different places allowing different ideas. I may be seen visiting with neighbors, watching televised sport events or listening to many talented live musicians. Wherever I may land downtown in the evening my drink of choice is seltzer, cranberry, lime, and laughter.
