Houston, Texas
Chevron LaunchPad X Emily Ding
With the opening of the new Chevron LaunchPad in May 2021, the Chevron team wanted to create a space that exemplified their focus on collaboration, technology, and innovation. Chevron had a vision to signify their efforts to harmonize nature and energy through technological innovation. Chevron LaunchPad tapped UXD to create a mural that embodied those ideals within the new space at The ION – a 266,000-square foot structure designed to bring Houston’s entrepreneurial, corporate, and academic communities together into collaborative spaces and programs.
Artist: Emily Ding
Curators: UXD
Location: Chevron LaunchPad at The ION, Houston, TX
Emily Ding Talks About Her Vision For the Mural
Ideas are like birds flitting in and out of our minds, which soar to new heights when we release and actualize them.
The vibrancy of our individual imaginations are impressive, but when we come together as a community our creativity and capabilities are boundless. Much like a bird's nest, Chevron Technology Ventures is a space where new ideas are nurtured and developed in collaboration. Ideas grow, take flight, and inspire, joining the world through relationships and collective efforts.
This piece symbolizes a pursuit to synchronize human life and nature. Together, we can empower each other to develop new ways of integrating into our natural world both responsibly and compassionately - to progress humankind and technology while honoring all walks of life.
– Emily Ding, Project Artist
The Project Video
The Parts of Emily’s Mural
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Birds
The birds in Emily’s artwork symbolize Chevron’s role as facilitators of development. The birds are the vessels that carry new ideas and introduce them to the world.
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Nest
The nest depicts the Chevron LaunchPad. It is a place where ideas are nurtured and developed before taking flight and joining the world.
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Plants & Foliage
The plants and foliage in Emily’s artwork symbolize the inspiration that biomimicry plays in the innovation of new technology. Plants have inspired innovation in materials and textures developed by Chevron.
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The Portrait
The portrait in Emily’s mural symbolizes humanity and imagination. It’s a depiction of how new innovations begin as ideas before they are hypothesized, tested, implemented for the world.
Images From the Mural Unveiling Event
Chevron LaunchPad team: Chevron, Gensler, and Harvey Builders
Anthony Rose, Emily Ding, and Monica Krishnan sharing a moment to commemorate the project
Anthony Rose, Monica Krishnan, and Dave Jaros sharing a laugh
Dean Strombom, Catherine Spain, and Vincent Flickenger
Guests viewing the mural after the unveiling
Guests viewing the mural after the unveiling
Monica Krishnan shares a few words about the project before the unveiling
Anthony Rose shares a few words about the mural project before the unveiling
Emily Ding shares the story behind her artwork before the unveiling
A mural painted by Emily Ding from 2017 seen from the windows of the Chevron LaunchPad. Emily shares that she spent time wondering about the future of the old Sears building – now The ION – as she painted the mural.
Dean Strombom shares a word about the mural project
Barbara Burger, President of Chevron Technology Ventures, shares her thoughts about the mural project before the unveiling
Jan Odegard from The ION shares a few words
Anthony Rose giving guests a tour of the mural
Anthony Rose and Preston Gaines
Words From the Team
"We have a long history in Houston with its role as the global energy capital. We believe The Ion will help to ensure that Houston retains that distinction and plays a leading role in the energy transition through innovation."
— Barbara Burger, President of Chevron Technology Ventures
“This project was important to UXD because Chevron had a unique vision to display artwork that speaks to the human experience of technology in a way that honors the world and nature. This was an opportunity to share that initiative through the lens of visual art. The subjects and narrative within Emily Ding’s artwork naturally spoke to these ideals, so collaborating with her on this project allowed us to echo those characteristics through the work she already creates. Emily’s expression was the perfect match for this project.”
– Anthony Rose, Founder of UXD and Project Curator
About UXD
UXD is a global art agency that makes murals, sculptures, and digital art installations in physical spaces for brands, businesses, and commercial properties. When businesses have something that they need to communicate to an audience, we transform lengthy messaging into vibrant art that people can easily understand, connect, and engage with.
About The ION
The ION is a 266,000-square foot structure designed to bring Houston’s entrepreneurial, corporate, and academic communities together into collaborative spaces and programs. Through a robust range of events, programming, and programs, The Ion provides resources for Houstonians and others seeking to strengthen Houston’s economic resiliency and competitiveness, attract and retain innovative talent, companies, and institutions, as well as foster an inclusive and welcoming neighborhood that offers economic opportunity to all Houstonians.
Mural Project Partners
