EP.05 / Sean Madden, SPMD on the Kaleidoscope Mural
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The Kaleidoscope Mural, situated on a power station in Huntington Beach, a stones throw from the ocean, is the largest mural in California.
The population of Southern California surged by 52% in the 1940s and 1950s, prompting the initiation of the Huntington Beach energy project in response to the region's increasing energy demands. Fast forward to 2020, my guest Sean Madden's company, SPM Design, had the incredible opportunity to transform the power plant into a work of art. This massive effort was in collaboration with the AES Corporation, the city, state, and community of Huntington Beach. 1,600 gallons of paint later, the Kaleidoscope Mural adorns over 121,000 square feet of the surface area of the power plant, making it the largest mural in California.
In our conversation, Sean discusses the process and permits necessary for the project, the beautification effort, and why the team chose the story behind the mural. We touch on how the project was inspired by the community of Huntington Beach, the unique challenges posed by working on a power plant during the COVID shutdown, and the positive impact it has had on the area.
Sean talks about founding SPMD and growing his team to offer comprehensive design solutions to global clients. SPMD's approach to art and execution is unique, combining artistic vision with engineering expertise, risk management, and community collaboration. Sean also opens up about the challenges of running a business, emphasizing the importance of investing in people and continuous learning.
About Sean Madden
Sean Madden is the founder and CEO of SPMD. He is an ambitious thought-leader in the field of environmental design and curation. He has over 25+ years in fine art curation, high technology print production, artisanal
fabrication, and creative direction. Sean’s expertise in curated design strategy, multidisciplinary fabrication methodologies, and high technology print bring a
wealth of guidance to the dynamic team at SPMD. Often referred to as the orchestra leader or “finisher,” Sean’s management style is very hands on and energetic. Before founding SPMD, Sean held senior management positions at
multiple nationally acclaimed print and production companies in the graphic art and fine art worlds. He has an ambitious and keen design sense, pioneering new materiality uses and fabrication techniques at every opportunity. He has curated, supported and elevated many emerging artists to create bolder and bigger work than they could have achieved on their own.
Learn more about SPMD
https://www.spm-design.com/
Topics Covered
The historical significance of the site
The artistic beautification effort at the power plant
Why the project reflects the community of Huntington Beach
Kim West’s involvement and the story behind the mural
The city and community approval process for the project
How the Covid shutdown impacted the project
Sean’s interests and inspirations at the start of his career
SPMD's early stages, team building, and initial clients
The process of founding and running a business
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