As an artist, I believe that art has the power to enhance the ambiance and atmosphere of any space, from homes to offices to public places. It sets the tone. It brings energy. It creates vibes. I create art that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also emotionally resonant and meaningful.

When I create a piece of art, I pour my heart and soul into it, infusing it with my emotions, thoughts, and experiences. I want my art to evoke a feeling or emotion in the viewer, whether it's joy, contemplation, or inspiration. I view art as opportunities for experience, rather than things.

Contained Movement sculpture by Strider Patton — “Contained Movement” yard sculpture by Strider Patton

But the power of art goes beyond just the emotional impact it can have on the viewer. Art can also transform a space, creating a unique ambiance and atmosphere that can influence our moods and behaviors, individually and collectively.

For example, a vibrant and colorful sculpture can bring a sense of energy and vitality to a room, while a calming and serene mural can create a peaceful and relaxing environment. This is why I believe that art should not be relegated to museums and galleries, but rather integrated into our daily lives. When we surround ourselves with the right art, we can curate our daily life experience. We can direct our energy the way we want.

Frequency mural by Strider Patton — Residential Void Frequency mural in San Francisco by Strider Patton

As an artist, I see my work not just as an object to be admired, but as a tool for enhancing the vibes of a space. When my art is displayed in a space, it becomes a part of the environment, influencing the way people feel and interact with the space and each other.

One of my favorite things about creating art is seeing how it transforms a space. I love hearing from clients who tell me how much they love the piece I created for them, and how it has changed the mood of their home or office or neighborhood.

Canvas painting by Strider Patton — Collector commissioned canvas by Strider Patton

But the power of art is not just limited to physical spaces. In today's digital age, art can be shared and experienced through social media and other online platforms. I use these platforms to share my art with a wider audience, in the hopes that it can bring a little bit of beauty and inspiration to people's lives.

Ultimately, I believe that art is not just a luxury or a form of entertainment, but an essential part of our daily lives. It has the power to transform spaces, evoke emotions, and inspire us to see the world and ourselves in new and beautiful ways. Art ushers us through life on a daily basis, whether we’re aware of it or not For those of us who are aware of it, we can take initiative and use art to create the best life for ourselves. And when we are the best version of ourselves, we can become the best societies as well.

We're used to seeing murals in cities and towns around the world now, injecting life, color, story and ambiance into public spaces. You can find them in private spaces too, like stores, restaurants and offices. I have painted in both these spaces extensively, so when I received a request to paint a large mural in a private residence in Novato, CA, I jumped at the opportunity!

The house is on a sleepy side street, with the rolling hills of Marin surrounding it and plenty of sun in its beautiful backyard. A family of four, with two young kids, keeps this house and backyard active. The family has put a lot of work into the backyard, with redoing the pool, landscaping and fence. They also added a playset, hottub, and trampoline to extend their daily lives into the outdoors. The client described their yard as “…like most where you buy objects to decorate the space...patio furniture, a few plants, and umbrella and bbq. At the time our pool was the highlight.” Something was missing from their home. Something that would bring more energy, ambiance and meaning to their home - a mural.

I love the process of working toward the perfect design for clients. "Bright colors, patterns and energy," the clients said to me as we began to discuss concepts for the design. “That feel good California vibe.” Whether large companies, school groups or individuals, my design process is human-centered. Conversation is the foundation. Who are they? Where do they come from? What is important to them? Where are they going in life? What are their hopes and dreams? What do they want to feel with my art?

I believe that what we surround ourselves with matters - greatly! Change your surroundings, and change your experience of life. With everything I make I hope to create a trigger for experience - a thought, feeling, or emotion. I believe that if we surround and expose ourselves to certain experiences we can transform ourselves.

“Striders artwork completely transformed our boring backyard into an absolute suburban oasis.”

It was an amazing project from start to finish! From designs to painting, the energy at the household was fun and welcoming. It took me 6 days to paint and hearing the kids excitement about the progress each day was just wonderful!

I am so grateful to these homeowners for contacting me about their idea of a “residential mural,” as they are not very common. They had reservations we spoke about, mainly “the price [and] taking that leap from a safe solid house color to something radically different and somewhat permanent.”

Upon completion, we stood back together and clinked glasses with the setting sun behind their mural. Buzzing dragonflies, kids playing, and the cool air coming in after a hot day. We looked at the before and after photos side by side, marveling in what a difference the mural brought to their house. I asked if they would recommend a residential mural to anyone else and they said “Absolutely do not hesitate to take the leap. Striders artwork completely transformed our boring backyard into an absolute suburban oasis.”

Enhancing Ambiance and Atmosphere: The Power of Art in Daily Life

How a Residential Mural Transformed a Family Home in Sunny Novato, CA into Suburban Oasis