Artist Statement: City Bird Keeper (Wichita District 3, Clapp Park)
Sarah & Chiyoko Myose
We are incredibly
grateful to paint one of the Keepers on Parade to commemorate Wichita’s 150th
birthday. The Keeper has become a symbol of unity and identity in our city, and
we are reminded of the history and roots of this work of art. We would like to
give our utmost respect and homage to Blackbear Bosin, the Kiowa-Comanche
artist who created the original Keeper of the Plains, and Native Americans in
Wichita and across the United States. The Keeper is a reminder to us of the
land we are on and indigenous cultures that are often overlooked and
misrepresented. We are reminded that, unlike Native Americans, we are all
immigrants and sojourners on this land in the United States, and the Keeper is
a symbol of this unity and strength we have as a community.
Our design for
the Keeper illustrates the colorful, bright, and active personality of District
3, where Clapp Park is located. We decided to include buildings, imagery, and
symbols from the north end of District 3 to create this design. Notable
buildings include the Clapp Park clubhouse, Water Center, St. Joseph Hospital,
All Saints Catholic Church, John Mack Bridge, and WSU Tech campus. These structures are interesting. In
a sense, they illustrate different facets of peoples' needs such as medical,
educational, spiritual, political, and social needs. We chose this stylized and simplified mode of
rendering to create a vibrant and whimsical tone.
At the base of
the Keeper, an overlapping river illustrates the Arkansas River that flows
throughout the district, while a bright, blue sky breaks through.
Large, white
birds fly through the Keeper, which symbolize the district’s history of
manufacturing airplanes, the McConnell Air force base, and the significance of
being at the heart of the “Air Capital” of the world. Flying upward, the birds
illustrate the community’s efforts to soar high and “fly” together.
Colorful circles
overlap the elements in the design, which are exemplary of the round shape of
golf balls and disc golf. Both golf and disc golf are activities based on the
importance of working towards a common goal. These games provide the
opportunity to find respite in recreation, exploration, and leisure outdoors.
They have both been the main attraction at Clapp Park. The circles also represent the movement of thoughts.
At the back of
the Keeper, two hands meet to shake hands to illustrate the shared value of
working together as a community. Through thick and thin, the people of District
3 continue to thrive and collaborate with one another and make a community that
is strong and firm.
We hope to
illustrate thriving scenery for District 3 and celebrate the area’s history and
diversity of experiences. This Keeper design is a symbol of a multitude of
perspectives, personalities, and positive experiences in the community.
