LIFE CYCLES MURAL

Design Objective: Design and paint a mural that helps communicate aspects of sustainability. This design features Colorado's state flower - the Blue Columbine - seen growing in a mountainous environment. The circular shape of the design guides our eyes around the image, where we move through the stages of the plant's life cycle. Areas of magnification further help to inform on particular stages of the plant's life: seeds germinating in warming soil, birds and insects pollinating flowers, and the eventual release of new seeds.

The life cycle of the Blue Columbine is one small example that shows nature's ability to sustain itself. Nature provides many examples of seasonal change, symbiotic growth, and long-term sustainability. The more we observe and study nature, the more likely we are to recognize what it means to be sustainable. What lessons can nature teach us about ourselves, our collective relationship with our world,  and long-term sustainability?