Caliendula Orbital by Elizabeth Cambelt draws inspiration from the Calendula (Marigold), a medicinal flower that has been long associated with care, healing, and protection. Its presence in the artwork symbolizes the everyday acts of prevention, support, and accompaniment that help sustain both individual and community life.

The composition is a tribute to the communities that live near rivers: people who have learned to continually adapt and reinvent themselves in response to the changes and challenges of their environment. In Cali and in many towns and cities across Colombia, life unfolds through daily activities that provide for families and strengthen the bonds that keep communities connected.

At the heart of the mural nestled in the petals are farmers, families, caregivers, and community members whose daily livelihoods are deeply connected to the land and water around them. Their stories unfold within the flower itself, emphasizing how resilience is rooted in everyday acts of cooperation, shared responsibility, and mutual care. The marigold becomes both a symbol of protection and a living landscape where human relationships, local knowledge, and environmental stewardship come together.
Flowing through the background are interconnected lines inspired by river currents, atmospheric movements, communication pathways, and satellite observations. These subtle forms reference the invisible systems that help communities understand and respond to the world around them. From monitoring environmental conditions and changing weather patterns to supporting communication and decision-making, these networks connect people to information that can help protect lives, livelihoods, and critical resources.

Created in partnership with NASA Lifelines, the Pacific Disasters Center (PCD), and the Centro Cultural Colombo Americano Cali, the mural reflects the idea that resilience is strengthened when local knowledge is combined with accessible information and technology. Satellite data and Earth observations, though often unseen, provide valuable insights that help communities prepare for hazards, anticipate change, and make informed decisions. Like the support networks represented by the marigold, these tools become part of a larger ecosystem of care.

Ultimately, the mural invites viewers to see community as a living, interconnected system. A system where people, nature, knowledge, and technology work together to reduce vulnerability and strengthen the capacity to adapt, recover, and thrive. It is a celebration of the many visible and invisible lifelines that help sustain life and build resilience for the future.