that’s where that image came from the hair is flowing. It’s moving. There are elements of randomness to it

Christian Kyle Harrell Muralist

with Harrell and seeing his passion for the project.

“It was important for me to wait for the right artist that could share my vision,” Harrelson said. “(Harrell’s) passion and enthusiasm for this project was busting out of him. It wasn’t until I witnessed this that I knew I would commission him.”

Part of Harrell’s creative process is spending time with his clients and learning who they are as individuals. “Confidence, beauty, grace, that’s where that image came from,” Harrell said. “The hair is flowing. It’s moving. There are elements of randomness to it, which is him. He’s a wildcard in a lot of ways. He’ll say things that I don’t expect. So I threw in little pieces that you don’t expect.”

Harrell said the pairclicked instantly and a lot of the inspiration for the piece came from Harrelson himself.

“(Harrell and I) agreed that the focal point should be hair in motion,” Harrelson said. “I explained to him the origin of ‘shockoe,’ which is the Powhatan word for the sound water makes when going over rocks; so essentially Native American for rapids.”

From the beginning, Harrell said, the piece received support and excitement from the community. In addition to the many intrigued passers-by, one local accompanied the artist throughout his process. He helped Harrell fill in areas, held his ladder and kept him company despite his lack of artistic experience. A resident of the surrounding area also watched Harrell work dil- igently and left him a note expressing her admiration for his creative talents.

“I couldn’t have asked for anything more after 16 hours of working,” Harrell said. “She had a really deep respect for what I was doing.”

After its completion, both Harrell and Harrelson noticed growth in the salon’s business. Harrell received an enormous positive response to this most recent project.

“He kept us all updated on his Instagram story. After long hours and many cups of coffee, he produced something to be proud of,” said Elissa Rumford, Harrell’s coworker. “Something that Richmond will enjoy for years to come.”