Hillsides of Home is a whimsical collection of childhood memories of the Philippines by Ricardo Estella, illuminated by Ethel Revita’s energetic, patterned hillsides. Both artists are long-time members of Creativity Explored, an artist collective for adults with disabilities, where they have developed rich, interdisciplinary art practices over the last two decades. Taking inspiration from the community member's wishes for the art at 11th and Natoma, the artists explore themes of nature, flora, history, and their shared Philippine heritage. For this composition, artists collaborated closely with CE staff to develop new works, which were then integrated among existing artworks.
Estella’s imagery is packed with heartfelt symbolism tied to formative memories of the 1960’s Baguio countryside. Deeply rooted in place, Estella’s design pays tribute to the home he grew up in, the animals he helped care for, and a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the land. Highlighted throughout the design is a series of Bahay Kubos, a style of house that is raised on stilts, inspired by his childhood home. The Taal Volcano, which anchors the landscape behind his grandparent’s home, repeats across the design and is a signature motif for Estella. Ethel Revita’s rich patterning further leans into celebrating the beauty of the rolling hills and sets the perfect scene for Estella’s carabao, chickens, and other animals. Together, they create a joyous melody.
To produce this design, CE Staff member Kate Hope, digitally translated imagery as artwork was selected, then digitally collaged it into this composition. The orange color of the fence is an homage to Creativity Explored’s signature color and ties in perfectly with the color palette of the new park, unifying the fence with the play structure, benches, and foliage. We look forward to gathering in SOMA’s newest park where this design will inspire meaningful connections in the community, connection, and joy.
Creativity Explored will serve as a liaison between the artists (Riccardo Estella and Ethel Revita), the San Francisco Artist Commission, the fabricators, and the community stakeholders to collaborate on the final design for this project. We will work together to modify the design, as needed, to meet opacity requirements through the inclusion of additional artwork and other fabricating methods.
Creativity Explored will host a Community Feedback and Celebration Public Program at our studio on 16th and Guerrero Street to help inform the development of the final artwork design. For this program, we would aim collaborate with stakeholders in the SOMA to maximize our reach in the community for receiving feedback.
This public program would include art making, food, music, and story telling in our studio to further explore themes that are important to the community. It is essential for us to create as many pathways for feedback as possible to make it an equitable and accessible process.
View a larger image of Hillsides of Home by Ricardo Estella and Ethel Revita.
Opportunity For Public Comment
Please take a few minutes to review these artwork proposals and provide feedback. The proposals are available online at www.sfartscommission.org/calendar/proposal-displays, or accessed by the QR Code below, where you can leave feedback in the public comment form. Comments may also be submitted via email to sfacpublicartcomment@sfgov.org by Monday, October 14, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. PST.
Public comments will be considered by panelists as part of the Final Review Panel meeting where the Panel will recommend one proposal for implementation. Please note that public comments do not constitute a vote. The Final Review Panel meeting will take place remotely and will be open to the public. An agenda for the meeting will be posted 72 hours in advance of the meeting on SFAC’s website under the Public Meeting section: www.sfartscommission.org
For more information, please contact: sfacpublicartcomment@sfgov.org, or (415) 252-2100. Materiales traducidos están disponibles para usted de manera gratuita. Para asistencia, notifique a sfacpublicartcomment@sfgov.org, or (415) 252-2100. 我們將為閣下提供免費的書面翻譯資料。 如需協助，sfacpublicartcomment@sfgov.org, or (415) 252-2100. Ang mga materyales na nakasalin sa ibang wika at ang mga serbisyong tagapagsalin sa wika ay walang bayad. Para sa tulong, maaring i-contact si sfacpublicartcomment@sfgov.org, or (415) 252-2100.
For more information on the 11th and Natoma Park (“Rachele Sullivan Park”) Project, please visit San Francisco Recreation and Parks project page: https://www.sfrecpark.org/1635/Rachele-Sullivan-Park-Project