Artist Statement

“Grief, I’ve learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give, but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.”

Losing someone feels colossal and heavy. The elephant in the room. But elephants also represent endurance, strength, wisdom and the power of family. Pennerman lost her Auntie Terri last May. The mural is inspired by Terri’s favorite animal, the elephant, and all the complexity of their symbolism. The artist’s hope is for this mural to brighten people’s spirits as they walk, just like Auntie Terri brightened so many people’s lives. It’s a reminder to cherish your loved one’s memories, because it’ll give you strength to keep going. Their love and wisdom will forever be with us.