Basketball legendKobe Bryant diedin a tragic helicopter accident on January 26, 2020.
The most powerful tributes are arguably in his beloved hometown of Los Angeles.
I loved the concept and I was thrilled when they selected me for the project.
For the design, Carlson drew from Kobe’s nickname.
I knew I wanted to include a snake in the design.
The snake coils around Kobe in a way that shows the two are forever connected.
This mural is painted on a large wall next to the Venice Beach basketball courts.
Carlson, a Denver-based creative, reveals that he was a fan of Bryant before working on this project.
A lot of his philosophies about becoming a better athlete can be applied to becoming a better artist.
Like embracing discomfort and pushing past your perceived limits.
The artist relates to this feeling, as he holds the demands that surround murals in high regard.
As an artist, I’m drawn to the challenge of large-scale works.
It can be really intimidating when I arrive at a big blank wall.
I love murals because of the huge visual impact they can have, he says.
A mural can totally change the feeling of a location.
A mural can also help bring a community together or create a sense of pride.
Ultimately, the artist hopes his work will get people talking to one another.
I also hope my work might inspire people to create art.
The mural was commissioned by Nike, which has a deal with the late player’s estate.
I knew I wanted to include a snake in the design.
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