Inspired by outreach data from Prebys Foundation staff, the artist explored San Diego’s ecological history. The rare and native Torrey pine sits along coastal erosion worn away by natural forces such as wind and water, forming an organic pattern on the mural’s left side. The flowers depicted were selected with the generous guidance of Jon Rebman, Curator of Botany at The Nat, and Mariana Delgado Fernandez, an environmental consultant in Tijuana. Both offered invaluable research into the species that should be considered for the design.
The plants shown are delicate clarkia and Mexican flannelbush, painted in Thao’s signature style. Each has been found along the U.S. – Mexico border and is endangered by border construction and urban development. Jon and Mariana have led efforts for several years to identify rare and threatened plant species on both sides of the border. Incorporating this research into the final design helps amplify their environmental work. The plants are purposely tucked into light and shadow as a secondary focal point — something a viewer might miss at a glance, just as their fragile existence can be overlooked in the real world. This component of the mural is intended to inspire more conscious thought about our direct impact and the efforts needed to preserve the beauty around us.
The soaring birds—the red-tailed hawk and the endangered California least tern—playfully intertwine through the landscape and water as the scene unfolds. The least tern, shown with half its body suspended in mid-flight, represents the fragile balance of life. Its survival has been significantly affected by urban expansion along its ideal habitats within wetlands, marshes, and sandy beaches along the coast. The red-tailed hawk, a culturally significant bird to the Kumeyaay peoples, soars high as the sunset glows across each panel. A subtle Kumeyaay basket-weaving pattern flows gently through the scene, reminding us of our roots and the sacred land on which we live and create.
Vibrant ocean waves and colorful movement connect every element, reminding us of the relationship between humanity and nature. Contrasting black angles and textures are congruent with the artist’s style. These shapes represent barriers being broken down, while the light and dark coloring throughout reflects the duality of life. The asymmetry of the composition works within the space by breaking up the dominant horizontal and vertical lines already present in the lobby and using the dimensions of the panels to create depth and dramatic lighting. The design was carefully crafted to complement the surrounding interior color palette and textures while extending the themes of the coast, ocean, and nature.
Each of these elements is suspended between two points: existence and extinction, known and unknown—each affected by our rhetoric and actions as a society. As life flows through the doors of Prebys Foundation, the artist hopes the mural leaves visitors with a lasting message: the well-being of the world and the people around us is integral to our own well-being, inspiring us to move more thoughtfully into the future through meaningful collaboration.