Color Your Way Through Seattle with 179 Coloring Book
is a love letter documenting my murals and community partnerships. Please enjoy!
I'm absolutely thrilled to finally present you with my coloring book! This has been a long-held dream of mine. During COVID, I offered free downloadable illustrations from a Google Folder to help people stay creative while quarantining at home. While I didn't have the resources to do more at the time, I was deeply committed to supporting people during that challenging period. A coloring book has therefore been a vision I've cherished for a long time.
Coloring isn't just a fun activity; it's a powerful tool for promoting well-being, especially during challenging periods like those we experienced during COVID quarantines. Engaging in this creative pursuit offers a structured space for self-expression, allowing you to either honor the artist's vision or unleash your own wildest color fantasies. Imagine the majestic black orca, but then let your imagination take flight and paint it a vibrant pink or shimmering purple – after all, dreams have no limitations. As you play with color, you're not just creating art; you're actively shaping your own dreams into vibrant reality.
Coloring has always held a special place in my heart, and I've long believed in its power to offer solace and creative expression, particularly during difficult times. As such, when my dear friend Galen, through his organization Stay Inside the Lines, initiated a project to create coloring books of Seattle artists' work for families to enjoy during the Covid lockdown, I was immediately onboard. Galen curated a digital coloring book followed later by a physical edition that generated valuable donations to Title 1 schools through ArtsEd WA. This initiative only solidified my belief in the power of art to connect and uplift our community.
When I joined the Vivid Matter Collective for the monumental task of painting the Black Lives Matter Seattle Monument, I saw another opportunity to share the transformative power of art through coloring. Working collaboratively with Galen we created a coloring book showcasing the individual letters of the monument and highlighting the incredible artists behind their creation. This project, like Stay Inside the Lines, served as a testament to the unifying and healing power of art, even in the midst of challenging times.
For a long time, I hesitated to release my coloring book. Fear and uncertainty gnawed at me, whispering doubts about whether anyone would be interested in coloring my murals. But finally, I decided to take the leap. What had taken years of procrastination and self-doubt condensed into a single month of intense dedication. And now, I hold in my hands this beautiful and deeply personal book, a culmination of my artistic journey, my experiences, and the wonderful partnerships I've forged along the way.
Within its pages, I share not only the vibrant illustrations but also the locations of these murals, inviting you to embark on a real-world adventure. Discover the incredible businesses and organizations that commissioned me to paint their dreams, each mural a unique story waiting to be unfolded. Some, like the enchanting "Orca Vibes," offer delightful surprises – scan the plaque and immerse yourself in a guided meditation. Others, like the majestic "Blue Wolf" at El Sueño Brewery in Bellingham, are hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
As I delve deeper into the world of my creations, I've discovered a profound connection with animals as a powerful tool for self-discovery and storytelling. This is why you'll find so many creatures depicted in my murals and, consequently, in this coloring book. One story in particular holds a special place in my heart: the NPR podcast episode about the remarkable wolf, 006 female. Captivated by her resilience and spirit, I couldn't resist creating a portrait of her in my unique style. I encourage you to listen to this inspiring episode here: NPR podcast episode about 006 female.
Another story that deeply resonates with me is the recent passing of Tokitae, the captive orca whale who tragically died just days before her planned release back to the Pacific Northwest waters. This heartbreaking event left a profound impact on me, and I have since dedicated all the orcas I paint to her memory. In this coloring book, you'll find a dedicated page honoring her legacy, allowing you to participate in celebrating her life and advocating for the well-being of all orcas.
Music plays a profound role in my creative process, deeply influencing the emotions and imagery translated onto my canvas. In fact, many of the murals in this coloring book were brought to life while listening to specific songs and melodies. This synergy between music and art inspired me to create a dedicated Spotify playlist to accompany the coloring book, allowing you to immerse yourself in the sounds that fueled my artistic journey. For example you'll find "Rose Garden" by Lynn Anderson, a timeless classic that directly inspired the mural of the same name.
Beyond its connection to the murals, the playlist is an extension of my love for music and sharing it with others. Just like a song can transport you back to a cherished moment, the music I choose evokes powerful emotions and opens doors to new discoveries. I encourage you to explore the playlist, discover new artists and tunes, and allow the melodies to paint their own unique colors on your canvas.
While some murals have faded with time, their spirit lives on within these pages and in the hearts of those who have experienced them. For those who wish to preserve these memories or bring a piece of artistic magic into their homes, I offer a selection of additional illustrations available as prints, pins, and other art forms. You can find these offerings showcased in the gallery below or online at SHOP179.
By supporting artists through purchasing their work, you not only contribute to their creative journey but also empower them to continue contributing to the artistic tapestry of our communities. From workshops and events to mural projects and community collaborations, your purchase helps foster creativity and inspiration for all.
An important note for parents: As you explore the pages, you'll find descriptions that touch upon aspects of my personal life and community partnerships. I’ve worked with many nonprofits who serve our most vulnerable community members and there is mention of addiction and homelessness in non-graphic terms in one of the designs.
No matter how you choose to express your creativity, color boldly, embrace the joy of creation, and remember: while the lines may guide us, it's our unique spirit that truly colors the world. Happy coloring, friends!
Yours in Creativity,
Angelina V.
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