Arcata Branch Library Mural

About the Artist: 

Working predominantly with acrylic and oil paints. David Mata is a self taught Mural Artist based in Eureka CA. Mata was born and raised in Arcata CA and is of Karuk, Yokuts and Chumash descent. He goes by the artist name of ípak which means “to return” in Ararahih, the Karuk Language. Though he has done art his entire life, he is finally returning to art after dedicating twenty years to the fire service. He often looks to traditional native knowledge as well as inspiration from his three daughters when creating his work. Most recognized for using realistically painted basket patterns in his work as well as paintings that are both whimsical and realistic. He has occupied a number of physical spaces including permanent art collections at United Indian Health Services in Arcata CA, McKinleyville Family Resource Center and Trinidad Rancheria.

 Mural Technique: 

Acrylic paint applied to mid century board and batten vertical exterior elements emphasize the intricate planning of the dress through a magnified image. Strategically located at the entrance of the Arcata Branch Library, a hub of knowledge, allowing it to capture abundant daylight and bask in the warm glow of the sunset. The use of pearlescent paint enhances the visual experience; as viewers approach from the west during the evening, the abalone shells reflect the light, creating a dynamic interplay of illumination.

Cultural Context: 

This painting was inspired by the Mid 1800’s Wiyot dress which has finally made its journey home from the Brooklyn Museum in 2020. Made with a foundation of deer, bear grass, maiden hair fern, and adorned with clam and abalone. These elements, through careful observation with a cultural lens, in my interpretation were applied as a direct result of the dress makers knowledge and personal understanding of their life experiences. 

 Artist Interpretation: 

"As a Karuk descendent, my understanding is we have historically shared a similar cultural outlook with Wiyot people of the world around us. We can see this accumulated in the similarity of our peoples regalia and shared practices. With this shared outlook, I made the connection between how the elements of this dress were crafted, and how each of them lived. With the abundance of clam shells applied to this dress I examined the lifestyle and self-defense mechanisms of clams, alongside reflecting on the experiences of California Native people during the era when the dress was created. 

This enabled contemplation of the forthcoming necessity to depend on this knowledge during this devastating era in our history.

The dress returning back to the Wiyot people is a testament that our ancestors understanding of principles and concepts derived from the natural world around us are still relevant and hold true today. With this in mind, I see this dresses return as a sign of healing for Wiyot people and the observance of this gives me hope as well. 

The opportunity to paint a mural on the library, a place of knowledge in the heart of Arcata, inspired me to paint a piece of regional native knowledge on its exterior entry.  I hope it encourages people to seek out information, not just from inside the walls of the library but inspires people to seek information and understanding through observation of the natural world around us, as our ancestors once did."