![]() Deco23 detailing his mural on Escape Routes My brother, Brian Melvin (AKA: Deco23), has been diligently working on his art since early childhood and I'm so excited to see him getting some recognition and big opportunities now! Brian is most known for his graffiti art that can be found all over Detroit. He creates colorful, imaginative little characters that are both cute and frightening all at the same time, and posts his work most often to street signs around Detroit, basically giving them to those who take the time to remove the pieces and keep them for their own. ![]() White Team!! Brian was recently asked to be a part of the new Ford-sponsored NBC reality show, Escape Routes, assisting 2 of the cast members in their Atlanta urban challenge to create an interactive mural that beats out the competition. Before meeting the artists, all 6 of the teams had the chance to see one piece by each person, selecting their artist based on his or her work. Since Brett and Ross of the White Team had earned the most points in previous challenges, they had the first pick. Seeing his creativity and how well-versed Brian is in large scale pieces, the guys ran to his painting, making him the first artist selected. The idea is that he would have to create a work of art that incorporates a Ford Escape, as well as Brett and Ross. What better to do than have the White Team saving Atlanta by throwing a laser beam at a fire-breathing dragon wreaking havoc on the city? His idea was in place and on the morning of the competition, we were ready bright and early, spray paint cans in hand, to make it come to life. The team and artist were allowed to take a handful of people off the street to assist in the creation of the mural, so I had the opportunity to help out (good brother-sister bonding time). We were timed with only 4 hours to complete the project, start to finish. Deco23 traced out the buildings first, and the team went to work, coloring them all in with spray paint. This was my first time working with spray paint and I now have a newfound respect for all graffiti artists-- it's a lot harder than it looks and my forearms are KILLING me from pressing down the top of the paint can! Brian directed us all to help with fill-ins while he traced out other portions of the mural, as well as took care of all the detailing and multiple on-camera interviews during the small time window. At the 4 hour mark, the show's host, Rossi Moreale, stood up on a platform and yelled out for us to drop our paint and step away from the murals. I can't begin to tell you how much fun it was to hang out with the team, spend a day painting on set, and most importantly, get to help my brother accomplish this task. ![]() Brett and Ross show off the final product What's really cool about Escape Routes is that the audience can get involved, both in person, during challenges, and online! First of all, our episode will air on NBC Saturday, April 14th at 8pm... so clear your schedule or set your DVRs because you DO NOT want to miss this show! Secondly, check out the show's webpage at www.escaperoutes.com and sign up to be part of the White Team so you can follow Brett and Ross in their journey from west coast to east. Next, become a fan of Brian Melvin (Deco23) on Facebook HERE. And last but not least, be sure to check out some more photos from our day of painting on set HERE._
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About...I would simply like to share my love for life with you-- be it inspirational music, photography, written word, joyous works by local artists, theatre and independent films, travel, community outreach projects, silly musings and adventures, or little things I've learned along the way. All categories are open for discussion! If there's something you'd like to hear more about, just ask! Archives
March 2017
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