I created a massively detailed map of the neighborhood where I live. This became a 12-foot wall mural for an art exhibition. Tons of love and energy for this community was poured into this project.

I used to play a game called the Urbz, where Sims would run around a city with one of everything: one hotel, one jazz club, and one gym, but with unexpected oddities like a Bayou or Carnival. Ballard possesses a similar eclectic charm.

We wake up to the sound of seagulls with mountains in the distance. Our town boasts treasures including a museum, a beach, a botanical garden, and a farmer’s market. The goal was to weave together all the places most important to my friends and me.

I tried to include both old and new Ballard because I think that dichotomy is one of the more interesting themes of this place. Along the way, I learned so much about historical and present-day Ballard.