Over at the Learning Resource Center at Rio Hondo College, a new mural created by the artist Ian Robertson-Salt, a Los Angeles based painter was unveiled on September 11.
The mural at the LRC, titled “River of Knowledge”, was planned and created by the Division of Arts, Business, and Cultural Programs department, along with the artist himself. The mural began being painted in the Summer, quickly finishing in the Fall. “Going to the library [during the Summer] to do work and seeing him work on it everyday was inspiring.” Said an attendee during the unveiling of the mural.
With the mural being complete, the LRC held a ribbon cutting ceremony, along with a small artist talk with Robertson-Salt.
The mural showcases two students–students in the arts department who attend Rio Hondo–in a river surrounded by various fauna and books, which were carefully chosen as reads that will make you think deeply and “carry that knowledge forward”. Towards the end of it has two coyotes which Robertson-Salt said was inspired by coming to work on the mural and seeing coyotes roam around on the campus.
Robertson-Salt stated that he and the subjects of the mural had gone over to Whittier Narrows to take reference photos. Though it was taken at Whittier Narrows, the river from the mural was inspired by the San Gabriel River. Not only was it inspired by the San Gabriel River, but it was also inspired by Rio Hondo itself, where being at a community college is a type of “river of transformation.”
To the people pursuing an arts education, Robertson-Salt understands that it is an extremely challenging but highly rewarding career and states that if it’s your passion to “dive in” and go for it, signing up for any volunteer work or going to any nearby outlet will let you be creative.
The LRC is now home to the art piece “River of Knowledge”,the mural can be viewed upon entrance to the LRC on the right hand side as you walk in from the lower quad. . It stands as a beacon for collaboration and inspiration. “I hope it inspires people, I hope it brings them a sense of comfort when they’re here and a sense of excitement to be on this campus.” Said Robertson-Salt.
