Amelia Earhart Mural

One of the newest additions to the Medford mural scene is the Amelia Earhart piece by artist Adam LoRusso. Adam was born and raised in Medford and is passionate about the merging of the contemporary with the historical. His mural is located in the heart of Medford Square along the brick wall of Colleen’s, a popular ice cream and sandwich shop. The piece is in black and white as an ode to Earhart’s timeless presence and to the historical nature of the city. 

Amalia Earhart mural in Medford, MA

The idea

The idea for the mural emerged when LoRusso was approached by Kolin Burgoyne, chef and owner of Colleen’s, about adding artwork to the expansive brick wall along the left side of the shop. LoRusso and Burgoyne grew up together and have known each other for quite some time. LoRusso explained that he and Burgoyne went back and forth on ideas until inspiration sparked for the muralist. What about a mural of someone who lived in Medford?

The idea for an Amelia Earhart mural stemmed from a brief familial connection. “I knew Earhart lived in Medford because my grandfather did some work for her family when he came back from fighting in World War II.” Once LoRusso learned this story about his grandfather, he dug into Earhart’s life a bit more. “I found her so inspiring – she’s the type of person who lived twenty lives in one!”

I knew Earhart lived in Medford because my grandfather did some work for her family when he came back from fighting in World War II.

capture the wisdom of maturity

As part of his research, LoRusso spent a lot of time looking at photos of Earhart. “I wanted the mural to be a timeless version that isn’t depicting her at any age,” LoRusso said, “I wanted to capture the wisdom of her maturity, but also the certain type of hopefulness in her youthful pictures.”

“I wanted the mural to be a timeless version that isn’t depicting her at any age,” LoRusso said, “I wanted to capture the wisdom of her maturity, but also the certain type of hopefulness in her youthful pictures.”

To create the mural, LoRusso used the technique of Stippling, the act of using little dots to create shading, to create value, and provide different shades of light and dark. For materials, he utilized exterior masonry, such as brick paint and exterior post paint. As he worked on the artwork, many residents walked by with wide smiles on their faces. Those familiar with Earhart’s Medford residence commented “I had her sister for English!” or “Her sister was my teacher!” Those unfamiliar were mind-blown when they realized Earhart lived in Medford for quite some time. 

I want to be everything!

Medford artist LoRusso

LoRusso retold his favorite story while working on the mural: “There was a grandmother, a mom, and her small daughter walking down the street. The mom pointed to the mural and said ‘Amelia Earhart was one of the first female pilots and was bold enough to fly across the English Channel!’ The little girl, only four or five years old, didn’t know the significance of Amelia Earhart’s legacy. The mom then asked the girl if she wanted to be a pilot when she grew up and the little girl responded, ‘I want to be everything!’” LoRusso laughed at the memory, a warm smile apparent even through the phone. That’s exactly the sentiment LoRusso wants to elicit from the mural. He wants the piece to inspire people of all ages to reach for the stars, no matter how lofty their aims!

Outside of being a muralist, LoRusso is a tattoo artist. He explained that he likes to keep his fine art and his tattooing separate, as the two mediums are individual entities. For LoRusso, both mediums evoke emotions. When he’s working on his fine art, the pieces evoke his own emotions, help him to record his own emotional experiences. With tattoos, the design evokes emotions for the client. The artist likes both mediums to work in conversation with one another.

When speaking on his artwork as a whole, LoRusso noted his emphasis on personal experiences. “I view myself somewhat metaphorically speaking as a drop of water within the sea of humanity,” he explained, “taking the time to examine allows me to observe my own emotions and thoughts. It helps me better understand the world around me and experience the world as a human being.”

LoRusso noted there’s value in allowing yourself to be human. He expanded on this idea by stating the opposing ideas of vulnerability and privacy. There’s something to be said for being vulnerable enough to share your work, but it’s also important to withhold artwork in order to create something unique. This idea has allowed him to play and explore with art without having to worry about what other people will think

sharing and not sharing

LoRusso said this idea of sharing and not sharing work is his biggest piece of advice for emerging artists. Creating that balance is important in building a community, but also having a space that’s just for you.

Amelia Earhart mural by LoRusso in Medfiord, MA