Artist: Eugene O’Neill (Truth) 

IG: @mixingthemedicine 

Title: At the Push of a Button

Medium: Latex Paint, Spray Paint, Paint Marker, Vinyl

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Artist Statement

This mural was made with an intention to give yourself grace in a world that is grieving.  To reach your hand out when needed because you're deserving, even when you feel detached.  Painting the alleyway as an access point for love, reclaiming this block as a safe space for people to connect with one another.  I wanted to highlight the amazing work and support that happens here at YWCA - GCR. They needed art that personifies the vibrancy and positivity reflected in the community cultivated between the residents and staff.  Thank you to everyone who made this project come to fruition. 

Symbol Key

Orange Barrier: In YWCA brand color, Persimmon, a visual reminder to respect the space as the home of the women and children YWCA-GCR serves.

Heart: Know that if you’re seeking support and need help, YWCA-GCR is here with love “at the push of a button.” Whatever we put love into will shine bright like the sun.  Set foot in the door and we got you.

Bottom Left Hand: Vibrant, full of life yet shapes are jagged and broken. It’s about picking up the pieces and persevering through tough times. 

Top, Right Hand: The Goddess offering a hand. Divine, feminine, caring, intuitive, nurturing. The colorful palette of skin tones connect together in a grid; uniform and balanced, embodied within all of us.  Hues reflecting the LGBTQ colorway to reinforce inclusivity and acceptance for those in need.

Hands: The imagery is in reference to the notable “Creation of Adam” by Michelangelo, reclaimed for women as the true creators of life. Representing the divinity and power that comes from generations of women caring for, supporting, and empowering women.

Origami Doves: What is an origami dove? Fragile, intricate, complex, with lots of nuance, made from writing paper. Filled with intentions, hopes, prayers.  Crumple the paper and throw those dreams into the trash, or hold onto them and wish they reach their destination unharmed. These origami birds are flying toward the goddess' hand with hope for healing and community. 

Charm Bracelet: Made of Hematite, a stone of grounding and balance used to connect back with one’s own body. It can absorb and transmute negative energy, and can assist in seeing the positive side of situations.

BLM: Black Lives Matter, period.

Crow: Symbol of transformation and change. They are watchful creatures that have a sharp and powerful foresight. Tap into the potent power of this bird to transform the bad into foresight or something useful. Metallic and structurally sound in contrast to paper doves.

Text on door: Residents were asked “How would you describe YWCA-GCR for those who don’t know what happens here?” Some of those words are directly represented here.

Triangle - A symbol of manifestation pointing to the words on the door of the building. 

*Special thank you to Crystal Brandow