When the muralist Eric Okdeh begins a group project, he asks a question: What do we want the mural to evoke? What makes Philadelphia’s murals special, he says, is our culture of storytelling. Our murals don’t merely contain images, they communicate ideas and stories that have been carefully worked out.
In this issue, Okdeh told Sophia Stopper that he has been painting murals since his sophomore year of college, but he never thought that it would be a viable way to make a living. Rather than living in New York or L.A. and being represented by a big gallery, he collaborates with different communities and helps people tell their stories — a route that for him has been much more rewarding than solely focusing on his own work.
The answer to what our cover star, Tira Kelly, wants her clothes to evoke is simple: A hit of dopamine and a smile. After taking the safe route and working as a medical professional for the first part of her career, she is now creating colorful, expressive designs that “pop.” She wants her clothes to help the wearer command a room gracefully while still being modest. The fact that Kelly credits the whimsy and the fantasy of Disney World’s fireworks and lights for much of her inspiration helps explain some of the delight that her designs bring.
Claire Quaranta, our inaugural guide for our new series, “The Weekend File,” enjoys all the days of the week and the life she’s created for herself, partly because she incorporates the calm and joyful elements of the weekends into her work week — an early morning cappuccino with a book, a long walk, band practice, and mocktails with friends after work.
Among her friends, she’s the go-to person for where to go and what to eat. She often gets texts from people outlining a plan and asking what they should do in various scenarios (“My mom is coming into town tomorrow afternoon. Where should we go?” or “I want a nice cozy dinner by myself later. Where might I get a spot?”). In this issue, she highlights an array of restaurants and bars she frequents and notes that the nonalcoholic options have improved and expanded in the neighborhood.
Joe Beddia has been incredibly thoughtful about the food, hospitality, and design of his eponymous Italian joint, Pizzeria Beddia. “We execute really simple foods at a really high level,” he tells Jennifer Amato. His restaurant has been so successful in part because he’s been so clear about what he wants his food — and the dining experiences — to evoke.
I hope you enjoy these captivating stories.
