It’s been a few weeks since the OverAll Walls mural festival brought renowned artists to Blaine to beautify the city with stop-in-your-tracks murals from G Street Plaza to Blaine Elementary School during the last week of September. The Northern Light discussed the inspiration and motivation behind the murals with two artists, My Dog Sighs and Kaa Shaayí, to hear about their experience creating art in Blaine.
My Dog Sighs, a UK-based street artist whose work has been featured in media outlets like the Guardian, has work that can be found on the front façade of the Blaine Arts Council gallery building at 922 Peace Portal Drive, at Blaine Elementary School, and a hidden work is on the south side of Blaine Bouquets at 633 Peace Portal Drive.
Local artist Kaa Shaayí’s work can be found on the back side of the Blaine Arts Council gallery, where three separate works are displayed for public view in the alley. Houston-based muralist Emily Ding created a sandpiper mural that can be viewed at the G Street Plaza in downtown Blaine.
What were the inspirations behind your murals?
Kaa Shaayí: My mural in Blaine was inspired by my Tlingit heritage and the traditional formline design, which is the customary visual language of my ancestors. The mural features a hummingbird at its center, designed to brighten up the alley behind the Blaine Art Council’s gallery and provide a vibrant backdrop for photos. While this particular mural doesn’t directly incorporate Pacific Northwest wildlife beyond the hummingbird, much of my other work does integrate local fauna.
My Dog Sighs: I’m fascinated by eyes and their ability to connect with the viewer. I like to tell stories of places and people within the reflection. Each one tells a story.
Did you enjoy spending your time and making art in Blaine?
KS: I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Blaine. Prior to this project, my only experience with the town was attending the Old Fashioned 4th of July celebration, which I loved, especially the car show. While working on the mural, I had the opportunity to explore more of Blaine, patronizing local restaurants and stores. I was touched by the warm reception from passersby, who often stopped to chat and express their appreciation for the new public art. The general atmosphere was one of excitement about the added artwork in town.
MDS: It was an honor to be asked to come and paint. It’s a beautiful part of the world that I hadn’t explored before and everyone was open and excited to see the results of my work.
How long have you been working as a muralist? What other mediums have you worked in?
KS: I’ve been working on murals for the past couple of years, with projects in Ferndale, Bellingham and Redmond. However, my artist’s practice extends well beyond murals. I work in various mediums, including digital art for logos, canvas paintings, drum painting, paddle carving, mask carving and copper jewelry. My mural work is an extension of my border practice in formline art.
MDS: I’ve been painting on the street for over 20 years now. Spray paint is my preferred medium for murals, but anything I can make a mark with works for me.
How did you incorporate the local culture of Blaine and the Pacific Northwest into your recent work?
KS: While my recent work in Blaine was primarily focused on brightening the alley and creating an attractive photo opportunity, it reflects a broader cultural context. My style of formline design comes from my Tlingit heritage in Alaska, which, while distinct, shares much history with the Indigenous cultures of the Pacific Northwest. This connection creates a dialogue between my Alaskan roots and the artistic traditions of the local area. By bringing this art form to Blaine, I hope to contribute to the artistic heritage of Northwest coast art that spans from Alaska to Washington.
MDS: If you look carefully into the eye reflection, you’ll be able to spot some Blaine landmarks and locals I met along the way.
Where can people find out more about you and follow your work?
KS: People can find me on Instagram @kaashaayi or visit my website at kaashayee.com. Additionally, I’m excited to share that I recently joined the Blaine Arts Council as a new member and will be displaying my art in its gallery at 922 Peace Portal Drive in the coming months.
MDS: You can find me on all the socials @mydogsighs and via my website mydogsighs.co.uk.
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