Trudy Tran is a multidisciplinary artist based in Atlanta, Georgia. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Kennesaw State University. Her work cultivates the exploration into a wide range of traditions, identities, and unique stories of different cultural groups. Through intertwining different styles and techniques, Trudy utilizes elements of storytelling and documenting the world in her pieces. Her artwork has become a vehicle for escape and observation, an opportunity to rekindle imagination. Her mural aims to reflect the diverse cultural landscape of Clarkston through representing the people, places, and food that form a sense of communal identity.
“After attending a community meeting and the Clarkston Festival (Flavors of Courageous Welcome), I was lucky enough to befriend two Clarkston residents who offered to show me around Clarkston. Thus I was able to attain accurate photo references for these designs. Every story, landmark, culture, and type of food, I felt had its place. I chose a radial composition to represent how all the different cultures and demographics are connected and intertwined, symbolizing the beautiful collision of cultures that you immediately sense when you enter Clarkston.
Some of the standout elements that I made sure to include were the traditional clothing, unique fabrics, soccer, different foods, the gardens, places of worship, and people sharing coffee. One remark that really stuck with me was when it was mentioned that Clarkston is a place that forces you to slow down and take everything in, contrary to the typical fast-paced American lifestyle. I believe these designs reflect that concept; with all the different details, I hope it encourages people to slow down and take the time to discover all the small hints and stories that connect back to Clarkston.”
“Clarkston is a place that forces you to slow down and take everything in, contrary to the typical fast-paced American lifestyle.”
