Multi-Story Building, Portland
OCEAN WOMAN BUILDING MURAL
community Project • 2025
OCEAN WOMAN BUILDING MURAL
A multi-story mural in Portland featuring a woman emerging from ocean waves, with flowing water and marine elements cascading down the building's facade. The piece transforms the structure into a monument to our connection with the sea, visible from blocks away.
Gallery
Artist's Note
“Multi-story work is as much engineering as art. Every brushstroke that looks effortless from the ground required careful planning from a crane platform, working without being able to step back and see the whole composition. You have to trust your preparation and your instincts.”
— Rachel Dinda
Inspiration
The ocean sustains us, and we're failing to protect it. This woman isn't just emerging from water — she IS the water, inseparable from the ecosystem she represents. I wanted people to see that connection in a way that stops traffic.
The Process
This piece required extensive scaffolding and crane work, coordination with building management, and weather contingency plans. The scale meant working in large areas at a time, keeping consistency across sessions that sometimes had days between them. Marine elements were painted with reference photos from my own coastal travels.
Community Impact
The mural has become a neighborhood landmark. Local businesses use it for wayfinding directions, and it's been featured in Portland architecture and art walking tours. It's sparked conversations about ocean conservation at a community level.
Project Details
Location
Multi-Story Building, Portland
Year
2025
Size
3,000 sq ft
Interested in a similar project?
Start a ConversationMore community Projects