“Your face is your logo”

BHS grad turned street artist will bring her talents to ABC Day

Street artist Corella Fairchild Pierson primes the “canvas” with water-based paint as part of a collaborative effort with fellow artist Rachel Delarosa. (Photographer: Rachel Delarosa)

Houston-based street artist Corella Fairchild Pierson graduated from Bethel High School in 2000. She was a Running Start student who followed her college journey all the way to the University of Houston, where she earned her degree in graphic design.

Corella’s love of street art came after she saw the documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop. After that life-changing film she attended festivals, interviewed artists and even ended up marrying one of them!

Using chalk, Corella creates elaborate designs on streets and sidewalks. She said she loves how ephemeral each project is.

“If people don’t go and see it the day it’s there, they’re going to miss it.” she said.

Some of her smaller projects (4x5 feet) can be completed in a few hours, depending on the complexity. She said some of her bigger works (12x15 feet) can take up to 20 hours.

This year Corella is bringing her talents to the 11th annual All Bethel Community Day (ABC Day) at Graham-Kapowsin High School on October 5. She’ll be creating an original piece of art near the school entrance and encourages students and community members to talk with her while she works. She said legitimate street art can have a very positive impact on communities.

(Photographer: Elizabeth Umanzor)

It not only helps people take pride in their community, she said, but also discourages graffiti, something that is backed up by the Project for Public Spaces.

“Research suggests that painting multi-colored designs or murals on surfaces will discourage graffiti, since tagging is more difficult. Such mural projects, especially when they involve local artists and high school students, have solved many graffiti problems.” — Project for Public Spaces

It’s been a dozen years since Corella has come back to Bethel from her home in Houston.

“I hope I can bring the interest in street art into the community,” she said. “It’s completely changed my life.”

Her advice to any students who want to follow in her footsteps is to be prepared to work hard. She adds that a background in marketing and advertising helps too.

“You have to be a good business person. You are your brand. Your face is your logo.”