Some of the inspirations for this mural project come from antique maps, Hieronymus Bosch (El Bosco, 1450-1516), and Mexican retablos. These sources all show visions drawn from the natural realm and from the imagination. Traditional scale and perspective are askew; space is of the land of dreams.The images of buildings, landmarks, flora and fauna are all researched from the Marfa area.

The tiles would be part three-dimensional “reality” and part two-dimensional “illusion,” reinforcing the mystery of merging elements. For instance, railroad tracks might stand out as bas-relief while the approaching steam engine may be painted with its smoke billowing out a mirage of a howling coyote.