The colorful, often-changing window murals at Bakery Lorraine have become an essential element of the seasonal charm at Pearl, transforming the facade into a public canvas. We recently sat down with the artist behind this tradition, David Salaiz, to explore his journey and the creative process behind his vibrant work.
A native of San Antonio, David Salaiz has been immersed in painting since childhood. His artistic path led him to explore New York, where he developed a knack for transforming two-dimensional ideas into interactive, three-dimensional experiences. This practical skill set would eventually inform his current work.
The window murals came about unexpectedly. Having returned to San Antonio to care for family, Salaiz took a part-time job at Bakery Lorraine. He initially channeled his creativity into the small, seasonal signs on the front bulletin board, designs that quickly caught management’s attention. “They would see the board, like, ‘That’s amazing.’ And they’re like, ‘What would be the bigger picture?'” Salaiz recalls.
When the head manager, Elise, proposed that he paint the large windows, it was a leap of faith. “I’ve never painted windows before,” Salaiz admits, having previously worked solely on canvas or wood. After some quick research and learning a few professional tricks, he created his first mural—birds for the holidays—and a new medium was discovered. For the past year and a half, his work has functioned as a public, artistic calendar for the Pearl community.
Salaiz’s creative process begins with a sketch, where the core idea usually pops up quickly. His inspiration is truly diverse, drawn from both the iconic and the mundane: the vibrant color palettes of San Antonio, antique objects, and even fleeting visual moments like glittery snowflakes seen at an airport. Every concept is refined and presented for approval, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the public art.
The murals have connected Salaiz deeply with his hometown community. While he considers himself an introvert, the open-air painting process has turned him into a conversationalist. “People are very open when they’re getting a cup of coffee or picking up a pastry,” he notes. The art serves as a perfect icebreaker, sparking dialogues about his technique, his background, and what he’ll paint next.
When asked what he hopes viewers take away from his work, Salaiz offers a humble perspective. His goal isn’t to impart a massive, profound story but to offer “some beauty in the world.” He’s thrilled when the community is engaged, noting how people take selfies and sit next to the work. “Hopefully, it’s just something that’s beautiful, you know, that eclipses their attention for five seconds,” he says. His murals are simply about “bringing joy to people.”
The process, he explains, is a “labor of love.” Planning begins right after the last mural is finished, though he admits creativity cannot be forced. The actual painting process, governed by a self-imposed week-long deadline, often involves constantly returning to add more detail.
For those curious to follow the artist who helps mark the seasons in San Antonio, David Salaiz can be found on Instagram at @davidsalaiz99, with his handle often painted subtly into the corners of his latest beautiful creation.
Don’t miss your chance to own a truly unique piece of art! Pre-order Bakery Lorraine’s 2025 Holiday Macaron Box and enjoy the stunning, hand-painted box designed by David Salaiz. This limited-edition keepsake is as beautiful as it is exclusive—perfect for gifting or treating yourself. Reserve yours before they’re gone!
On your next visit to Pearl, be sure to stop by Bakery Lorraine to treat yourself to a decadent pastry and admire David’s latest mural.
