Irving Artist Uses VR for Mural
In Irving, Texas, artist Megan Ascencio used VR technology to design a spring mural on JPT Graphics. The innovative approach blends traditional mural art with cutting-edge design technology.
The mural, titled "Creativity Blooms Here," is located in Irving's Heritage District and features native Texas flowers like Indian paintbrush and bluebonnets. The project was funded in part by a grant from the City of Irving's enhancement incentive programs, which aim to beautify the downtown area. Artist Megan Ascencio is an Irving resident who has a personal connection to the mural's location, having previously begun her career at JPT Graphics. After designing the floral artwork on her iPad, she used a VR headset to project and trace the intricate design onto the building's wall. This use of VR technology in mural creation is a significant step away from traditional methods like grid transfers or light projectors. It allows artists to accurately scale and map their digital designs onto large, and sometimes uneven, surfaces regardless of lighting conditions or potential shadows cast by equipment. The "Creativity Blooms Here" mural is designed to be interactive, incorporating several "selfie spots" for visitors. These include a painted swing and a large butterfly, sized so people can pose as if they have wings, encouraging community engagement with the public art.
