A Penny For Your Thoughts

Original Mural Art at  Oak Island NC

Swains: Where the Tide Began

Song Inspiration 

" Son of Son of a Sailor" by Jimmy Buffett

A penny for your thoughts… 

Creating this mural for Swain's Seafood and Cut Restaurant has definitely tested my creativity, patience—and possibly every paintbrush I own! This wall has so much character and texture that I could literally tuck pennies into it. Some days, painting it felt less like creating a mural and more like negotiating with the wall!

But this mural is about more than paint. It was inspired by the Swain family’s generations of hard work, fishing boats, good food and commitment to Oak Island. Because the restaurant comes alive at night, I chose a beautiful dusk setting—a tribute to the hardworking days that lead into evenings filled with family, neighbors and great local food.

It hasn’t been an easy wall, but the meaningful ones rarely are. Every bump, crack, boat, barrel and brushstroke helped make this mural as unique as the family and restaurant it celebrates.

Come see it in person, take a photo—and while you’re there, head inside and grab some of Swain’s amazing food! And maybe bring a penny… apparently, the wall is collecting them now. UR Coastal Country Oak Island, NC See less