Fallbrook artist uses unique perspective to create Vista mural

Residents in one particular neighborhood of Fallbrook have had a sneak peek of an ongoing art project that will be installed in the near future along the railway system in Vista.

Artist Daniel F. Martinez lives in Fallbrook, and has been commissioned to create a mural depicting some of Vista’s historical, cultural and popular elements for the installation.

Martinez has spent over 30 years of his life in the art and fashion fields.

Since November, Martinez has been hard at work on a mural that features some of Vista’s more prominent, busy, and historical points of interest. He was commissioned to create this mural, which is meant to greet train passengers as they enter the city of Vista.

The mural, sponsored by SDG&E, is comprised of panels that measure four by ten feet each and span 68 feet along the railway, an area typically tagged by gang members as a way to “claim turf.”

“The director of the project was concerned about the piece being tagged, and so was I,” said Martinez.

To combat graffiti, the mural has been coated with a Caltrans-endorsed anti-graffiti product, which is meant to make it more difficult for graffiti to ruin the artwork.

“The mural depicts beautiful farmlands, nature, countryside, and a rancho, which are all pieces of California history,” said Martinez, who prides himself on creating art that has a cultural or ethnic aspect.

In addition, the mural also boasts a scene from Vista’s shopping centers, the Krikorian movie theater, and the Moonlight Theater.

Each scene features a variety of faces representing Vista’s diverse community, with a story told in each panel. Some of those include a girl riding her horse during Vista’s Rancho Days, children splashing and playing at the Wave water park, and people enjoying Guajome Park on a sunny day.

Martinez, a recipient of the Hispanic Achievement Award for youth improvement, believes in sharing the artistic process with members of the community, especially with children or individuals who might not have another means of learning about art.

Martinez, an alumnus from Palomar College, was able to continue his studies at Cal State Long Beach, freelancing in the textile and fashion world as he earned his degree in fine arts, painting and fashion. Over 1,000 pieces of clothing now boast his patterns, and schools, businesses and various buildings also feature his work. Alongside working on multiple projects a year, Martinez also enjoys conducting workshops and offering his services for the Boys & Girls Club and schools in the area and working with summer art programs.

In the 30 years of being artist, Martinez has created over 65 murals and art pieces displayed throughout Southern California and beyond.

“I want kids to see that they can be successful coming out of the area’s schools,” said Martinez.

After spending a large part of his life as an artist, Martinez cannot wait to see the new creative journeys ahead of him.

“It takes dedication to be an artist. To say that artists are flighty is such a stereotype.