Bench Memorial Illustration
Client: City of Pembroke Pines
Art Direction - Holly Bonkowski, Assistant Director of Cultural Arts for the City of Pembroke Pines
Those who live in South Florida may recall a tragic event that occurred in March of 2021. A small aircraft in distress crashed into an SUV in Pembroke Pines, claiming the lives of the two individuals aboard the plane and a young passenger in the vehicle, four-year-old Taylor Wade Bishop. Taylor’s mother, Megan Bishop, was driving at the time.
In memory of Taylor Bishop, the City of Pembroke Pines commissioned a public bench to be installed near the site of the accident. I was honored to create the commemorative illustration that adorns this bench, working under the supervision and direction of Holly Bonkowski, the Assistant Director of Cultural Arts for the City of Pembroke Pines.
The city’s vision for the artwork was a straightforward and literal approach, centered on celebrating Taylor’s life and interests. They provided a list of the things Taylor loved most, and my goal was to incorporate as many of these meaningful elements as possible into a cohesive and respectful design. The illustration serves as a visual tribute, transforming personal memories into a public touchstone for reflection.
This project was a collaborative effort. I also received valuable creative direction from Kaitlyn Ringwelski of Keystone Ridge Designs, whose insightful input was crucial, especially given the very tight production timeline required to bring this memorial to fruition.
Bridging Commercial Precision and Artistic Sensibility
While my primary focus is on commercial illustration and cartography for events, this memorial project occupies a unique and meaningful space in my portfolio. It highlights the application of illustrative skill to a deeply personal and communal purpose, requiring the same attention to detail, client collaboration, and technical execution as my commercial work, but guided by a different kind of intention. It demonstrates how foundational artistic and design principles can be adapted to serve a wide spectrum of needs, from functional event maps to public memorials.
If you wish to visit the bench and see the illustration in person, it is located just south of Paul J Maxwell Park in Pembroke Pines, Florida.
This project represents a facet of my work that connects with broader artistic expression. To explore other examples that blend technical skill with personal vision, please visit my Fine Art Portfolio.
For more information on my commercial illustration and graphic design services, please view my main Illustration Portfolio.
Dedication ceremony
STREET ART:
