Triton legend to live on at Mariner High School
A tribute to the Triton Legend now adorns the walls at Mariner High School thanks to three present and one former student. Earlier this year, Lodge Construction was contracted to renovate the school and offered students the opportunity to help with the beautification effort. The students were asked to submit designs for two 24- by 8-foot murals which would be executed by a professional muralist.
“It was an honor for me to be able to give something back to the school where I was encouraged to pursue a career in art,” said former Bokeelia resident, Angela Delaplane. “It is my hope that this also inspires current and future students to pursue their own careers in art as well.”
Well received by the students at Mariner, the judges opted to select three designs for murals. The three mural designers were rewarded with scholarships and the designs were then placed in the hands of Delaplane.
“Because the three artistic styles were significantly different, I essentially had to use their design ideas and pull them together with my own style to create a cohesive triptych,” Delaplane said.
Delaplane said that it took her 10 days to complete all three murals. The mural contest winners were Adam Frank, Alexis Lizotte and Michelle Macone.
According to the mural contest rules established by Lodge, all entries were to be original work by the student and each of the designers would work with Delaplane to bring the Triton Legend to life.
The Triton Legend is as follows:
“Myths filled the fibers of ancient beliefs. No star shone in the skies, no cloud veiled the sun, no wind filled the sails, no waters swirled near shore without legendary tales to fill the imagination.
“So, Mariners’ Triton was born. son of the mighty Poseidon, the near mortal Triton emerged from the tumultuous surf. His powerful torso tensed for an encounter with any who dared step forth. Triton’s protective ability to transform from one being too many made him a formidable foe. His trident enabled rapid transfers of thought and power to oceanic creatures and the surrounding waters.
“Seagoing men of old, looking to Triton to calm the raging seas. The Argonauts beseeched him to aid them in navigating safe routes and calm the waters of the Great Deluge. Triton served as benefactor to the Trojans and mercifully called back the storm unleashed on them by Juno. So too is he, transformed from calm to terrible. With his enormous strength, he blows the conch which bellows during devastating storms. A mere breath churns air currents toward tempestuous rage. As gigantic waves curl and crash against the beach, Triton’s mighty form slithers beneath the seething waters, his curling serpentine tail fueling his motion.
“As his father’s favorite son, the entire ocean and surrounding shores became his abode. He was transformed into the favored colors of the Greeks.
Angela is the daughter of Elaine and Steve Delaplane of Bokeelia and is the owner and resident artist of Angela Delaplane Studios, Inc. in Tampa. She specializes in custom artwork including oil paintings, murals, artistic finishes and furniture. To view samples of Delaplane’s work, visit delaplanestudios.com