As an artist, one of the things I love most about painting murals is the opportunity to create something truly unique and innovative. Recently, I had the pleasure of working with Gustavo and Kate Romero, the owners of Oro, a new, innovative Mexican restaurant, to create a bathroom mural that truly captures the essence of their brand. The Romeros gave me complete creative freedom, telling me to “go Jimmy wild” with the design. And that’s exactly what I did.
Gustavo and Kate asked me to paint on a dark blue field, which provided the perfect backdrop for the vibrant images I chose. The mural I created for Oro is a bold and colorful representation of the restaurant’s signature style: Mexican culture in Minnesota today.
The centerpiece of the mural is Oro’s signature heirloom corn plant, which I depicted in bold, bright strokes using my distinctive “noodle” technique. I also included a mare and her foal, which symbolize fertility and abundance. These elements speak to Oro’s focus on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients combined with heirloom corn and beans from Mexico in their dishes.
Another prominent image in the mural is the volcano Popocatépetl, which looms large in Mexican culture and mythology as a symbol of strength and resilience. I wanted this image to represent Oro’s commitment to weathering any storm and emerging stronger on the other side, while always being faithful and honorable.
The quetzal bird, an iconic symbol of freedom, beauty and good luck, also makes an appearance in the mural. I depicted the bird in bright, vivid colors, emphasizing its beauty and importance in Mexican culture, and hid it in a turbulent sky.
Other elements of the mural include an abstracted pyramid, an Aztec profile, and various patterns and designs inspired by traditional Mexican textiles. These elements all come together to create a vibrant, visually striking piece of art that perfectly captures Oro’s unique style.
Throughout the mural, I used my signature “noodle” strokes to create a sense of movement and energy. The result is a dynamic, lively piece that draws the eye and invites the viewer to explore the details and imagery and discover hidden images.
The Romeros were thrilled with the final product, and I have already received positive feedback from customers who have seen the mural. It’s always a joy to be able to contribute to a space in such a meaningful way, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have worked on this project.
Creating a bathroom mural for Oro was a challenging and rewarding experience, and I’m thrilled with how the final product turned out. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend stopping by Oro to see the mural (and, of course, to enjoy some delicious Mexican cuisine).