Local Artist’s Mural on Oceanside Parking Structure Celebrates City History, Beauty
A new mural is coming to the Oceanside Transit Center Parking Structure, the first of at least 10 on public spaces throughout the community.
Muralist Jonny Pucci 's design, depicting the city's unique coastal charm and historical roots, was selected to adorn the structure, as part of MainStreet Oceanside's Art that Excites program.
Painting is expected to be begin Oct. 14 and be finished by Oct. 31. The Oceanside Transit Center Parking Structure mural is funded and supported by the Oceanside California Cultural District , MainStreet Oceanside and the Oceanside Arts Commission .
Pucci, a San Diego-based multi-disciplinary artist known for his colorful and dynamic murals, has over 10 years of experience as a painter, muralist, illustrator, installation artist and designer. His work has appeared across the U.S., and in Mexico and Russia.
"Jonny's design reflects both the cultural heritage and natural beauty of our city and this mural will serve as a welcoming landmark for residents and visitors arriving by public transit and car," said Gumaro Escarcega, CEO of MainStreet Oceanside.
Pucci has murals in Little Italy, North Park and South Park; this will be his first in North County.
The mural at the Oceanside parking structure is divided into three distinct parts, designed to harmonize with the building's multi-shaped facade.
"In my mural practice, I always strive to create images that are thoughtful and site-specific by referencing the history and culture of the place and its people," Pucci said. "As a long-time resident of San Diego County, I feel uniquely poised to address this project in a way that is genuine and heartfelt."
Visitors approaching the mural from the northwest corner will first encounter a pattern reminiscent of Spanish tile, a nod to the region's architectural heritage. The design draws inspiration from the original tiles at Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego and will incorporate patterns from the original Oceanside train station built in 1946.
As the mural progresses, a school of tuna follows the visual line created by a staircase, paying homage to Oceanside's harbor. The fish appear to take flight towards the upper deck of the structure, creating a sense of movement.
"The symbolism of these powerful fish should act as a visual reminder of our collective history of sport fishing throughout San Diego County," Pucci said.
At the far end of the building's facade, facing the ocean, pedestrians and drivers will find themselves beneath the lip of a massive 30-foot wave. It will be painted with flowing strokes in order to capture the excitement and energy of the nearby Pacific Ocean, according to Pucci.
