Meet Pauline aka P Behind The Art | Visual Artist and Muralist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Pauline aka P Behind The Art and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pauline, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Being in the mural business, one thing that outsiders are probably unaware of is the amount of planning and collaboration that goes into creating a mural. It’s not just about painting. It involves extensive research, discussions with the client, detailed sketches, picking the right colors and other similar things in that nature of the business. Another thing I want to mention is that it is physically demanding. Murals often require working on ladders or scaffolding, working long hours and sometimes even dealing with challenging weather conditions. Every mural is unique. It tells a story and capturing that narrative requires a deep understanding of the environment, the people, and the message we want to convey.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is deeply rooted in storytelling and community engagement. What sets me apart is my commitment to creating murals that not only beautify spaces but also resonate with the people who live and work in that space. I strive to capture the unique spirit and history of each community, incorporating elements that are meaningful to them.

One of the aspects I am most proud of is my ability to bring people together through my work. Murals have a way of sparking conversations and fostering a sense of pride and ownership within a community. I am especially excited about projects that focus on promoting health and wellness, These projects allow me to blend my creativity with positive messaging making a real impact.

My professional journey has had its moments of uncertainty and challenges. It involved countless hours of practice, rejection, balancing another career and even dealing with anxiety. However, these challenges taught me resilience and the importance of perseverance. I overcame these obstacles by staying true to my vision and continually seeking out opportunities. It also helps to have a great support system. As a friend once told me, “Stay on your path.”

I want the world to know that my work is not just about painting walls. It’s about creating meaningful connections and leaving a positive, lasting impact on communities. I am dedicated to making art that inspires, uplifts and brings people together. I also want them to know that my art is not just limited to painting murals. I also create custom canvas artwork, shoes and any other surface artwork. In November 2023, I published my very first children’s coloring book that focuses on a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices that goes beyond our everyday foods to educate them on the different types of foods available to us and the importance of each of their nutrients.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One week isn’t long enough to explore such a vast city! I would first introduce them to the local spots, starting with the most delicious acai bowl in Burbank, Acai Jungle Cafe in Burbank, California. It’s got so many healthy options to choose from, you can’t go wrong there. Then I would love for them to explore a nearby botanical garden. Descanso Gardens and the Los Angeles Arboretum are such beautiful locations to explore. I would then dedicate a day to the arts and culture scene by visiting a museum or gallery to explore local art and history. We would visit a nearby historic landmark and attend a live music event. We would visit local shops(mall) and visit a local farmers market. Depending on where the friend is visiting from, there are so many attractions to see such as state beaches, Universal Studios, Disneyland, etc. Towards the end of the trip, we would definitely treat ourselves to a wellness day that includes a massage, relaxation and pampering.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my success and where I am at in life currently to several key individuals and groups who have been instrumental in my journey. First, I want to give a heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Labrecque, a principal at one of the local elementary schools near me. She took a leap of faith and trusted me to paint murals at the school, supporting me during one of my most challenging times. Her belief in my abilities and her support made a significant impact on my career.

I also want to extend my gratitude to the Nutrition Services Department. They not only appreciated my work but also shared it with other schools. Their support and encouragement have helped expand my reach and brought new opportunities my way.

Lastly, I want to thank my mom. Her love, support, selflessness, positivity and constant encouragement have been the backbone of my success. She has always believed in me, even when I doubted myself. And her unwavering support has given me the strength to pursue and achieve my goals.

Website: https://www.pbehindtheart.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pbehindtheart

Other: https://linktr.ee/pbehindtheart

Image Credits
Recycling Bin Photos:
Coachella X Global Inheritance 2024 “Make Recycling Fetch” Photography: Gaby Diemeke