In September, artist Haraku Ostley guided students at YWIES Guangzhou in creating a vibrant mural wall to celebrate the school’s 10th Anniversary. The theme, “Roots and Wings,” symbolizes Haraku’s hope that the students’ wildest dreams and passions will flourish, spreading love and peace to the world! Later in the month, she came to YCCECE and led students in completing a mural project.

Q. Can you tell us about your background and experience in mural art?

Hello! I'm Haruka Ostley, a multidisciplinary artist based in the vibrant city of Shanghai, currently working at the YCIS Pudong Campus. My artistic journey has allowed me to create numerous collaborative murals across various YCYW campuses and even beyond the borders of China. Prior to this, I was a freelance artist in the United States, where I had the incredible opportunity to unite communities through my murals in diverse public spaces. With a background in fine art, I have developed a body of work that has been exhibited in galleries and museums across China, Japan, and the United States.

Q. What inspired you to create this mural? Are there specific themes or messages you want to convey? Is it specially designed for YCCECE?

The primary purpose of this mural is to offer YCCECE students a serene space on campus where they can pause for reflection and prayer amidst their hectic study schedules. My inspiration comes from the beauty of nature and my hometown, where I have always felt closest to God, as well as the town’s deep connection to water and fish. The depiction of a school of fish serves as a powerful metaphor for unity and togetherness. 

In designing this mural, I considered the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs of our students. As they embark on their journey to become the next generation of early childhood educators, it is essential for all educators to embody respect and trust, moving forward together toward the light of divine love. To express this message, I utilized a variety of colors and landscape-inspired shapes, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere that reflects our collective spirit and aspirations.

Q. How do you believe this mural will impact the people in YCCECE and the local community? 

I believe this mural will invigorate our community, as the painting process was a collaborative effort that engaged many students during their free time. I place great importance on involving the community in such initiatives; these shared experiences not only unite us but also cultivate a sense of pride in our collective identity. My hope is that every brushstroke and vibrant color they contributed will become a lasting memory, inspiring them to dream big and spread positivity in their daily lives. Together, we have crafted something beautiful that truly reflects our shared spirit and aspirations.

Q. Before this project at YCCECE, did you collaborate with any YCYW schools/community members or organizations? Can you share with us more details? 

I have had the privilege of serving as an Artist-in-Residence at Yew Chung Yew Wah since 2007! My journey began at YCIS Hong Kong in Kowloon Tong, but over the years, my work has expanded to various campuses across China, including projects in Qingdao, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Lingang, and Tongxian.

Throughout this time, I’ve collaborated on a diverse range of artistic endeavors—murals, mosaic art, theater set design, installations, sculptures, poster design, and filmmaking. I’ve had the joy of working with community members of all ages, from toddlers as young as two to our current YCCECE students, often involving parents in the creative process as well. One of the highlights of my experience was collaborating with the YCCECE team to design the Pamela Peck Discovery Space (PPDS). It was incredibly rewarding to see the concept evolve from initial sketches to the selection of colors and textures. When I recently visited the space and saw it filled with happy faces, it brought me immense joy and reaffirmed the power of creativity in bringing our community together.

Q. Can you walk us through your design process for this mural? What steps did you take from concept to execution?

Before arriving on campus, I had several ideas for the mural, but those concepts often evolve once I see the actual space. Upon my first visit, I immediately sensed that this area called for vibrant colors—hues that resonate with the energy and spirit of young children. This realization prompted me to rethink my initial plan.

Originally, I had a specific wall in mind for the mural, but as I explored the hallway, it became clear that the entire area needed to create a welcoming atmosphere for the community. This shift in perspective presented a new challenge, especially given the time constraints I faced! I envisioned a design that would flow seamlessly from one end to the other, inviting people into the space. Since the wall wasn’t ready for painting, I began by priming it. The design itself evolved gradually, section by section. I carefully considered the shapes around me and selected colors that harmonized beautifully.

To start, I kept the shapes quite abstract, intentionally avoiding any specific representations. My aim was to create a design that could evoke various interpretations, much like how children gaze at clouds and envision different forms—“Look! There’s a sheep!” I wanted the mural to inspire viewers to see a river, a slide, or a house, encouraging them to engage their imaginations as they explore the artwork. My hope is that, as people interact with the mural, they continue to discover new meanings and elements within it.

Q. What materials are you using for this mural, and why did you choose them?

For this mural, I utilized primer to establish a robust foundation, along with house paint and acrylic paint for vibrant color application. Additionally, I incorporated window stickers that function like mirrors, reflecting the surrounding hues and enhancing the overall visual experience. One of the delightful surprises I discovered while installing them at night is that these stickers glow in the dark! It felt as though these materials were destined to come together. While they may wear down over time, we can always create new fish to swim and introduce new light to shine, making the mural an interactive and transformative experience for all who engage with it.

Q. Are there any specific techniques you will be employing in this mural? How do you share these with students/people involved? 

The wall presented a unique challenge due to its textured surface, which made painting quite difficult. To simplify the process, I chose to work with one or two-tone colors. However, this seemingly straightforward approach was complicated by high humidity, which caused the paint to run, and the wall's texture, which hindered even application.

To tackle these challenges, I demonstrated several brushstroke techniques to the participants. This included how to find the perfect balance of water for a smooth application and how to angle the brushes effectively to achieve straighter lines on the uneven surface. I believe these obstacles not only kept everyone engaged but also fostered a sense of focus and attentiveness to the creative process, enriching our collective experience as we worked together on this mural.

Q. What challenges have you faced during your mural creation process? How did you overcome them?

Throughout the mural creation process, I encountered several challenges, including humidity, heat, the texture of the wall, and a tight timeline. I found myself continuously redesigning my ideas while racing against the clock, painting non-stop to meet our deadlines. Frequent trips to Mong Kok for materials added another layer of complexity to the project.

However, I’ve learned to view these obstacles as opportunities for growth and creativity. The more I struggled, the more I understood the importance of letting go and trusting the process. I took a moment to recenter myself and asked, “What message do I want to convey through this mural? How do I want the community to feel when they experience this space?” As my intentions became clearer, I felt a sense of grounding and confidence that everything would come together as it was meant to. And I remind myself that there will always be future opportunities to add more and further develop this project!

Q. Do you have plans for future mural projects? If so, what can you share about them?

I have exciting mural projects planned throughout YCYW. In fact, this month alone, I am leading or supporting six different initiatives. For YCCECE, I’ve identified at least two prime locations that would be perfect for murals or artwork: one on the 5th floor and the other on the pillars of the 1st floor. The pillars on the first floor feature smooth surfaces, and I envision a collaborative effort where students can design and paint them, creating a distinctive look that truly reflects campus life and the diversity of our community. These upcoming projects promise to enrich our environment and foster a sense of belonging among all students.

Q. What does this mural personally mean to you as an artist?

This mural has a special significance for me, as it rekindles a painting style I used during my freelancing days in the U.S. To share a bit of my story, I faced a battle with breast cancer in 2019, shortly after moving to Shanghai. During that challenging time, my artwork shifted to predominantly black and red, lacking the vibrancy I once embraced. Returning to nature-inspired shapes and vibrant colors has revitalized my spirit, reminding me of the joy that color can bring into our lives.

My recent visit to the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon this past summer illuminated the vastness of nature and our smallness within it. It was a poignant reminder that life is filled with endless possibilities, and nothing is permanent. This understanding deepens my appreciation for each opportunity I encounter, inspiring me to pour my heart into everything I do and remain focused on my intentions.

Connecting with students and staff, and feeling welcomed by the YCCECE community, has made my time here truly fulfilling. This mural represents not only my artistic journey but also my passion for sharing creativity with others

About Haruka Ashida Ostley

Haruka Ashida Ostley is a multidisciplinary artist, (painter/performer) who hails from Japan. She grew up living across four different continents with her family.  After graduating from Savannah College of Art and Design with a B.F.A. in painting. She then moved to New York City, NY, where she trained at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting.  

She is thrilled to work with people with different backgrounds, crossing different mediums across the world. She exhibited her artwork all around the world, namely in China, Japan, U.S, Hong Kong etc.

She recently published her own artbook called “You are Not Alone”, which contains the journey of her creative process and how she uses her art for both healing and sharing the stories.