The Mission District – San Francisco
24th Street and Capp
This mural entitled “No One is Illegal” is by Laura Campos. Laura was born in Mexico and grew up in Texas. While young, and not yet legal she was called an illegal alien on a regular basis. When she did become legal she was still called an “alien”. This is the reason she tends to paint aliens. Her work has helped her work through her feelings for that word.
She does not use spray paint, and the brushes she uses are exceptionally small so all her work takes a very long time. She worked well over three weeks on this particular one. She doesn’t seem to mind the time, she loves to talk to neighbors and people walking past just to get their input. I spoke with her, she does love to talk, she is absolutely delightful and full of life.
Sedona Vortex
Cypress at 24th
I walked by this one and was not particularly drawn to it. I photographed it and it has languished in my files. It wasn’t until I understood Campos’ work that I understood its meaning and decided it wasn’t so bad after all. The neighbors aren’t sure how they feel about it, they say it is growing on them, but they appreciate it because it has stopped the tagging that had always taken place in their alley.