Painting her story across Dodge walls: Jules Muck

SLIDE 1: A new mural inside Dodge College’s Marion Knott Studios immediately captivates the average passer-by with the face of Kenyan-Mexican actress Lupita Nyong’o shrouded in purple butterflies. Photos by EMILY PARIS, Staff Photographer

SLIDE 2: United Kingdom native Jules Muck specializes in graffiti and mural art, which she channeled into a spray-painted shark and clownfish in tribute to Pixar’s “Finding Nemo.”

Beautiful monarch butterflies fluttering around an old school television set, a tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman dressed as Black Panther, and an inconspicuous fly on the wall are just a few of the details on the mural piece inside of Dodge College of Film and Media Arts on the first floor of Marion Knott Studios.

Jules Muck, graffiti and mural artist from the U.K., is the creative force behind the charming new murals which were painted in just two days — March 24 and 25. Muck has almost 100,000 followers on Instagram, and Chapman was fortunate enough to feature her work on its walls. 

Before her paintings, the interior of a seemingly innovation-producing building was bare.

“I hope (the mural) creates a more creative environment,” Muck said. “You know, just kind of more stimulus. I hope that (students) talk to each other more about the mural. I hope that it makes more communication happen.”

Though Jules Muck told The Panther she never formerly considered herself an artist, she spent long afternoons in the late 90s tagging the train stations in New York City before eventually evolving her graffiti art into more elaborate murals. 

One day, a famous graffiti artist named Lady Pink was riding the subway and saw Muck creating a new graffiti piece across the walls. She approached Muck to ask about her pieces. Struck by her talent and passion, Lady Pink decided to take Muck under her wing as an apprentice. 

“I knew (Lady Pink) from the book that I read called ‘Subway Art,' and I grew up with her,” Muck said. “I was really intimidated (by her), but she invited me to become her apprentice. I apprenticed for her for four years and she taught me the business of murals.”

After those four years alongside Lady Pink, Muck finally began to see herself for what she truly is: an artist. But at times, she still struggled to accept the reality of her career due to her upbringing and perception that art is not a solid career path.

“I guess (working with Lady Pink was) when I started feeling (like an artist)," Muck said. "I felt better about what I was doing, but I really fought it for a long time. My parents were both immigrants. I'm a first generation immigrant from Europe. And it was always told to me that (art) shouldn't be a hobby. It didn't feel like a worthy thing to do.”

Muck’s artistic capabilities are evident, especially in her recent Dodge murals. Muck not only enjoyed the creative freedom, but also truly appreciated the people who worked with her to create the amazing pieces.

“My favorite memory was going back and forth when we were planning," Muck said. "Susan Finch was the energy behind making it happen. I felt like Joseph Rosenberg was the catalyst. Somebody needed to push it through and to push me. It felt way more important than art is supposed to be. I felt taken very seriously.”

Joe Rosenberg, career advisor at Dodge College, has the perfect view of the new mural right from his office. Rosenberg told The Panther he is excited about the recent addition of the artwork and hopes that others are as well.

“(Dodge College faculty and staff) are open to innovation and trying new ideas," Rosenberg said. "It's about a mix of what came before to give us context to where we are and where we're going in the future.”

Above all, Muck hopes her art inspires students and faculty, even if it is just a glance while on their way to class.

Carly Trent, a junior creative producing major, who has walked by the mural a handful of times since its completion, is eager for others to see the new piece.

“I think it's definitely past time there's something a little bit more artsy and creative on the walls," Trent said. "Even though it's a really nice building, it's kind of plain. So I'm really happy to have a little bit of color, a little bit of creativity in there.”

For those interested in seeing more of Muck’s art work, visit her Instagram and her website.