“Exploration Fuels Empathy” Mural
While Pourworks was in the planning stages Oak City Mural Co was asked to consult on a mural that would be painted on the main wall in a lounge area. After receiving almost full creative license we decided to be ambitious and build a tribute to those who are dedicated to expanding their mind through reading, learning and travel. The concept titled, “Exploration Fuels Empathy” would take shape as a 9ft tall stack of books where the bindings would be aligned to form a wall that would serve as the mural canvas. A female space explorer would be illustrated gently holding a troubled sparrow and would be executed with spray paint.
There were a lot of challenges and obstacles to overcome in order to effectively and safely execute this project. First things first, I needed a holy-mob of hardback books that could be acquired at a rate that wouldn’t break the bank
After searching the city for a viable resource I was thrilled to discover Reader’s Corners on Hillsborough Street. They had a large selection of hardback books out front that fit the budget. Between their 10 cent and 25 cent hardback book inventory I was able to gather enough books albeit it took three full truckloads and a little help from my critters.
I quickly realized that in order to get the wall large enough it was going to take far more books than initially anticipated.
I also needed to figure out a system of organizing the books as I built them in the warehouse. Ultimately, I would be disassembling the entire wall and reassembling the wall at Pourworks. I needed to shift the books as the wall grew to ensure integrity so I couldn’t organize the stacks in strict vertical silos. In addition, I secured every few rows to the wall with an L-bracket. I used an adhesive with the books that were not attached with an L-bracket once the final install occurred. This would ensure that the wall wouldn’t have a systemic failure if any books were yanked or if somebody fell into the wall.
After I completed the painting I needed to disassemble the entire wall, move the books in three truck loads and reassemble at the final location. Easy to say, very tough to execute.
I created a layered stacking system in the truck to ensure everything stayed in order.
Once the books were brought into the location I laid the entire wall out on its side so I could pull from the bottom and build up efficiently.
Row one…. 
Row done! 
Add some comfortable furniture, cold beer and gang of good people and we got ourselves a party!
Make sure and check out Pourworks to see the wall for yourself. I created custom bar-top artwork (which was an adventure in its own regard) as well as custom painted bathroom doors. The end result was an awesome project that fits the vibe for an awesome establishment.
Pourworks
900 E Six Forks Rd #120
Raleigh, NC 27604