Victor Ving
Art Greetings in the States
Episode 168
Victor Ving is a renowned muralist and the creative force behind the Greetings Tour, a nationwide public art project that transforms communities with vibrant, large-letter postcard-style murals. Victor’s journey in art began with his roots in NYC graffiti, where he honed his aerosol techniques before shifting his focus to public art that celebrates local landmarks, history, and culture.
In 2015, Victor and his partner, photographer Lisa Beggs, embarked on a full-time journey across America in their RV, leaving behind their New York City base. For five years, they traveled the country, living on the road while creating over 65 murals across more than 27 states. Now based in Pasadena, CA, they continue to tour part-time, pursuing their mission to create their distinctive postcard murals in all 50 states.
Their business, Greetings Tour’s mission is to create interactive and timeless landmarks through public art, capturing local pride and sparking visitor interest with each new mural. By collaborating with local artists, businesses, and residents, Victor and Lisa ensure that each piece of art is deeply connected to its community.
In addition to his mural work, Victor Ving is the founder of Mural Artist Collective and Graffiti Arts, creative agencies that specialize in graffiti, street art, and large-scale murals. His innovative approach to public art and his commitment to engaging with communities across America have established him as a leading figure in the field.
Website: greetingstour.com
Instagram: @greetingstour
Victor Ving Takeaways
Greetings Tour’s Community Engagement
Victor Ving’s company, Greetings Tour, creates murals that engage local communities. They encourage people to visit these murals and support local businesses. This approach not only promotes local tourism but also fosters a sense of community.
Journey from Graffiti to Murals
Victor started his artistic journey with graffiti in New York. His transition from illegal graffiti to commissioned murals showcases his evolution as an artist. His background in graffiti continues to influence his mural work, especially in his use of spray paint.
Life in an RV
Victor and his wife lived in an RV for over five years, traveling across the country to paint murals. This lifestyle allowed them to explore different communities and landscapes, although it came with challenges like finding suitable places to park and live.
Settling in Pasadena
After years on the road, Victor and his wife chose to settle in Pasadena. They appreciate the community and the opportunities it offers for their art. Pasadena’s welcoming environment and its blend of nature and urban life make it an ideal home for their family.
Artistic Process and Community Involvement
Victor’s murals are designed with significant input from the local community. He uses a mix of digital design and traditional techniques to create his murals, ensuring they resonate with local history and culture.
Future Goals and International Ambitions
Victor aims to create murals in every state and potentially expand internationally. He has already painted murals in places like Bermuda and St. Lucia, and he dreams of taking his Greetings Tour to Europe and Japan.
Meaningful Connections through Art
Victor finds great satisfaction in seeing people interact with his murals. The murals often become local landmarks, drawing visitors and fostering a deeper connection to the community.
Victor Ving Quotes
On Community Engagement:
“Our only ask is they go and support a local business when they’re around.”
On the Appeal of Murals:
“The great feeling that I get is when we encounter and see the public interacting with them, you know? And that makes me feel good that it’s like meaningful to someone else.”
On Living in an RV:
“It was just an economical way of being able to travel and not having to scramble looking for places, being able to carry supplies with us.”
On Settling in Pasadena:
“I love just everything about it. This is where you’ll raise your family. It’s a whole new chapter in my life.”
On the Artistic Process:
“We design all digitally on the computer, a lot of it is kind of just, if you look at some of our sketches, it looks like a cut and pasty thing, and then the art happens on the wall.”
On Future Goals:
“I would love to keep going and I would love for it to continue on its own and even go international with it one day.”
Show Notes
___________________
Music Credits
Intro
Like it Loud, Dyalla, YouTube Audio Library
Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library
Outro
Indecision, Dyalla, YouTube Audio Library
Victor Ving
Mount Wilson
Victor appreciates Mount Wilson for its natural beauty and the panoramic views it offers of the San Gabriel Valley. He enjoys the less touristy feel compared to other popular spots like Griffith Park.
Home in Northwest Pasadena
Victor values his home as a significant place, especially after years of living on the road. It’s a place where he can raise his family and feel a sense of stability and belonging.
Roma Market
Located on Lake Avenue in Pasadena, Roma Market is a small Italian market known for its simple yet delicious sandwiches. Victor admires the long-standing business and its consistent quality.
