By Nick Baptista
Work has been completed on what might be the largest interior wall painting in Valley Springs.
Phil and Liz Weaver of Sheng Chi Kung Fitness Center commissioned Glencoe artist Janice Carpenter and daughter Stacey Flora to paint a mural to grace the martial arts center’s 60-foot wide by 25-foot tall wall.
Many members of the community got a sneak preview of the mural as the work was in progress when the Weavers hosted a Valley Springs Area Business Association mixer Aug. 17.
“It tells a story in itself,” Carpenter said.
Similar to the frescos inside the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City, Sheng Chi’s mural is spiritual in nature. The mural pays homage to the Weavers’ da’shifu, or martial arts teacher, the late Al Moore Sr. and is filled with symbolism to bless the center with good energy, or “Chi.”
The mural also has a village, courtyard, gate, mountains, creek, almond tree, bamboo, fire pot, Phoenix and seven animals, all with their own meaning. The animals depicted on the wall – the bear, tiger, mongoose, crane, mantis, cobra and dragon – display Shou Shu or the fighting ways of the animal, while the Phoenix represents the Weavers’ rebirth and when a Phoenix is present, it is a sign that all is good and honest in the kingdom.
The mural is full of subtle nuisances. Phil explained that the water representation is a meandering creek, not rushing or stagnant water, both of which would be negative energy. The meandering creek represents Sheng Chi or positive energy, because that is the type of water most suitable for a settlement.
The dragon in the center of the mural is a power dragon. It represents strength and power. The red lettering below the dragon represents battle art, while the gold lettering is a sign of royalty, he added.
The gate has three levels and they represent the changes of life – learning, doing and teaching.
“That’s what we’re all about,” said Phil.
The courtyard is a representation of the studio. The courtyard is where the villagers studies kung fu.
Carpenter and Flora spent 122 hours on the project. Carpenter said she receives her satisfaction in the knowledge that the Weavers are pleased with the mural.
“I’m so pleased it tied so well together,” Carpenter said.
Reprinted with permission from
