Self-taught artist completes salon mural in three days

ALEXANDRA ZERNIK

Contributing Writer

The figure’s long, flowing hair is the focal point of a mural completed in just three days in late January for Shockoe Salon at the corner of 22nd and East Main Street in downtown Richmond.

Christian Kyle Harrell, known to most as “Humble,” worked up to 15 hours a day to complete the work on the side of the two-story building housing the salon.

After he graduated from VCU with a religious studies degree, Harrell said he spent most of two summers in Cabell Library practicing and teaching himself art after a friend sparked his interest.

Since then Harrell has learned printmaking, fashion design, painting and how to run his own business, The Humble Collective.

Harrell has completed a number of murals, such as the dragon on the side of Fat Dragon Chinese restaurant, and commissioned pieces, in addition to drawing every day and amassing a following.

Harrell said the process of completing this particular mural was intense. After starting the first night with a sketch, he completed 60 to 70 percent of the mural the next day.

Harrell said he only had one day to complete most of the mural because he only had access to a scissor lift, a work platform that can be raised or lowered, for one day. He only ate once that day, he said, working for about 14 to 15 hours.

Sterling Harrelson, the owner of the salon and the building, commissioned the piece after meeting