Artist Statement:

"This design is inspired by the terms “water”, “life”, and “Oakland”. I want to create something that is unique to this beautiful city that I live in, thus I incorporated the Oakland Tree within the illustration as a symbol of both “Oakland” and “Life”. The background is a blurry painting of Lake Merritt, the first imagery that appears in my head whenever word “water” is mentioned. Through this design, I want to encourage more of my peers to start drinking water to prevent dehydration, and to be healthier (as it replaces soft drinks).

This design can be visually interpreted in two ways: 1) The water of Oakland flowing into a reusable water bottle, like water from the Flowater machines flowing into a reusable water bottle. This is to encourage students to utilize these machines to their advantage and refrain from using plastic water bottles; 2) The Oakland tree growing out of the bottle. By using less plastic water bottles, students contribute to saving the environment, saving the Oak trees (life). And by drinking more water, students will also become healthier (life). "

Kayla Thon

Artist Statement:

"Water keeps us happy, healthy, and active. Water is really and wholeheartedly life, and I wanted to express that by showing that even with something that’s as small as a water bottle, it contains something that sustains the blue and green of our earth; animals, and nature, and humanity. Water hydrates all. No matter how alike or unalike, we all share one common thing, and that is the beautiful source of life."

At OUSD, students have access to drinking water to stay healthy and hydrated at school. These resources can help you promote drinking water in your schools and communities.