Throwing Sparks with Miss Birdy
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With murals finished in Paris and Israel, Mandi Caskey can claim the “international artist” title. And more murals are coming soon in Spain and Australia. But the global credentials don’t go to her head. Mandi is the real, down-to-earth deal: wildly-talented, grounded, resourceful and resilient. Our favorite part: Mandi’s studio is at The Fort, and she’s our creative partner, bringing large-scale art and wayfinding to our campus.
“Through my years in Columbus, I’ve been drawn to The Fort. From a young street artist roaming its halls, to professional muralist calling it my studio office. I’m constantly inspired to do bigger and better in this space, and I’m just getting started.”
If you mention painting our beloved water tower to Mandi, her eyes sparkle with delight. It was the first project on her list, but for lots of reasons it’s been delayed. Important fact: proving she’s tougher than most, Mandi has scaled that tower (a good story, but we’re saving it…).
So we decided to throw sparks. Mandi’s mural at 2112 South High honors the industrial heritage of our neighborhood, Steelton Village. It depicts a hammer striking hot metal, with fiery color and sparks flying.
Mandi Caskey planning the project. Photo: Menges Design
Outdoor murals are rarely easy. Weather is everything. Surfaces are often unforgiving. High speed traffic can be close enough to provide a welcome breeze in the heat, and a reminder to keep your bearing. This mural met all that criteria. And with a rough stucco surface, Mandi chose spray paint as her medium.
PHoto: Matchbox LTD
PHoto: Matchbox LTD
PHoto: Matchbox LTD
The mural’s main purpose is to create a wayfinding landmark for The Fort and Steelton Village. To complete the mural, Dylan Menges hand-painted lettering in The Fort’s brand typefaces. Scroll down to see the finished mural!
PHoto: Matchbox LTD
Video: Matchbox LTD
The Mural at 2112 South High. PHoto: Matchbox LTD
PHoto: Matchbox LTD
See the water tower in that last photo? We’re excited to see what Mandi envisions for this major landmark in Steelton Village. Stay tuned! For more information about this project’s creative team:
Mandi Caskey, aka Miss Birdy
Dylan Menges, Menges Design
Josh Miller, Matchbox LTD