Sunday Evening Reflection – Artist in Action

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inArtists, LadyBudd, Murals, Public Art, Sunday Evening Reflection, Vancouver, Vancouver Mural FestivalTags:, , , , ,

“Public art does more than beautify neighborhoods. It connects community, inspires creativity, transforms public spaces and enriches individual lives.” Vancouver Mural Festival

Every year I look forward to the Vancouver Mural Festival (VMF). There is a creative energy that pervades the entire city. It is a celebration that is marked by street parties and events that showcase creative endeavour. VMF is true to its mission to create meaningful experiences that connect art and people.

The artists arrive from all over the globe to bring the sides of building alive with vibrant colour, stories, and mythologies. They work tirelessly in the heat of a summer’s day. I enjoyed watching them at their task. Dedicated, focused and strategic – they are consummate artists . I marveled at their ability to envision the transformation of an entire side of the building.

Join me for a short stroll along a street being transferred by murals.

“Changing the way art is seen in our city.”

Vancouver Mural Festival

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

42 thoughts on “Sunday Evening Reflection – Artist in Action”

    1. Mural Artists are amazing. They worked tirelessly under the most difficult conditions – the heat was relentless. They have a marvelous camaraderie. We met up with a group that were having lunch together and talking about the street party that was occurring that evening. They generously included us in the discussion and invited us to the party. As I listened, I was reminded by the famous Pablo Picasso quote: “When art critics get together they talk about Form and Structure and Meaning. When artists get together they talk about where you can buy cheap turpentine.” When we visit Edinburgh, which will be most likely next year, not this year, I am looking forward to seeing the Colinton Railway Tunnel.

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      6. I love the Pablo Picasso quote! It’s a perfect metaphor for the departmental divide when I went to grad school for fiction writing. There were “lit people” and “writing people” and never the twain did meet.

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      7. A very insightful comment, Liz. You have given me something on which to think. We build silos in every discipline, whether in academics, business – and even in our personal experiences. Take care!!!

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  3. You are right several cities spring to mind Berlin, Londonderry which is very political and more recently Glasgow produced several to tie in with the Commonwealth Games – they can lift deprived areas of cities or simply freshen somewhere up – also you can lift a community by involving them with the design or delivery so altogether they seem to be winners

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    1. They are winners indeed. One of the must-see places I wanted to visit this summer was the abandoned Colinton railway tunnel in Edinburgh that is being transformed by murals. Can you imagine 153 yards of murals. I may not be able to come this summer, but I know that this time will pass and I will be, once again, heading off to your beautiful country. Take care and stay safe!

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  4. Dear Clanmother,
    thank you very much to take us or a stroll along Vancouver’s streets. We just read in a comment of another blog, how important in these times art is. Art connects us in times of social distancing.
    Wishing you an easy week. Stay happy and healthy. With big hugs
    The Fab Four of Cley
    🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

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    1. I agree wholeheartedly. We have entered a time of solitude. Art allows us to go beyond our feelings of isolation and embrace our personal creativity. Now is the time to be bold, courageous, resilient. This too shall pass. When I look back I want to remember that I graciously accepted the moment and used it as a time of reflection and learning. Now that you have introduced me to Albert Camus’s “The Plague” I must add this one: “They knew now that if there is one thing one can always yearn for, and sometimes attain, it is human love.” Albert Camus, The Plague. Sending much love and many hugs to the Fab Four of Cley.

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      1. We think so as well, when it’s all over we’ll remember this time as a pause during the age of acceleration, a pause for people and the nature too. Maybe it will change our lifestyle for the better.
        We send our dear Canadian friend lots of love and big hugs
        The Fab Four of Cley
        🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

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    1. Thank you so much Marina. Actually it was Resa who inspired me to look more closely at street art. I love the connections that has come from our brilliant and compassionate blogging community. I have learned so much from our friendships. Hugs and please stay safe!!

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      1. Ah, so happy to hear that! That makes two of us [Resa having inspired me to look closer at street art]! Me too, my dear Rebecca and it’s a lovely process I hold dear! Hugs and love to you and you too stay safe! xoxoxoxo

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    1. These artists are amazing. They bring art to the street and dare to take on the elements of sun, rain, cold and heat. They know that some of these buildings will be demolished along with their creations, but they continue to add colour and joy. They live in the moment, a reminder that I must do the same. Hugs coming across the miles. Please stay safe!

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  7. Wonderful… and enviable artistic talents feeding the soul of Vancouver. How fortunate are the citizens of this marvelous city to be benefiting the many extraordinary and expressive works of art. Vancouver, we who must admire this extravaganza from afar, envy you. We are however grateful to you Rebecca, for affording us the oppertunity of visualizing these grand murals with your guidance, on the internet. Thank you Rebecca, thank you!

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    1. Thank you for your heartening message! Your choice of words are elegant and gracious which gives much joy to my endeavours. What I especially like about street art is that it brings art to where we live, walk, gather. Street artists recognize the impermanence of their work, given that whatever they produce will be at the whim of weather conditions and city planning. Murals are closely associated with some amazing graffiti that has changed the world. “People say graffiti is ugly, irresponsible and childish… but that’s only if it’s done properly.” Banksy, Wall and Piece. I love our conversations – thank you stopping by!!

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  8. Exquisite, Rebecca! I don’t need to tell you how much I love this post. Thank You!
    I’m a bit worried not a lot of street art will happen this summer.
    Out damn virus, OUT!

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    1. I share your concern. The Vancouver Mural Festival is scheduled for Julie 30 -August 8th. Crossing my fingers!!! Thank you for inspiring me on this amazing art journey. Hugs!

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  10. I’m always amazed when artists work on such large (and bumpy!) canvases. The murals you’ve featured have such clean and crisp lines. All in all, they’re a wonder to behold!

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    1. Thank you for joining me on my stroll through the streets. I have been following the Vancouver Mural Festivals for several years, but this past year, I determined that I would see the artists in action. What a wonderful group of people. Full of enthusiasm and dedication to their creative spirit. The main mural artists had younger artists as helpers, which provided excellent experience to these aspiring artists. In business, there is always talk of a “succession” plan. These artists are actively creating succession plans. It is truly exciting to see.

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      1. I’m wondering what happens to the murals from previous years’ festivals. You mentioned that in some cases, the buildings are torn down. Are the others just left to fade with the elements? Painted over?

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      2. There is a couple that have been painted over and some that have gone down with the buildings. I am following one right now that looks endangered. The artists use a special paint that refuses to fade, which is remarkable. This video was taken of a Mural that was completed in 2018. I just walked by a few weeks ago and the paint still remains ever fresh. https://vimeo.com/311543117

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      6. Which brings up another subject that I have been thinking about lately. When does something get forgotten. And when is it remembered. I’ve been looking back at public domain poetry and discovery poets that never made it into the high school curriculum. And then there are poems that date back decades and are remembered forever. But that is for another post!!!

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  11. Street art isn’t ugly, but cities often are! That art has also expanded out of cathedrals and museums into the streets and parks is a good thing.

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    1. Art demands entry into every part of our lives. As you said so eloquently, art has expanded out of cathedrals and museums. While many want to hold art as a possession, art refuses to be imprisoned and finds ways to escape.

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  12. This post is absolutely delightful. I love it, what transformations happen when the artists put their brushes to the walls. I really liked your video, all the paintings and the interesting music. Thank you for sharing this street transformation.

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    1. Thank you for your heartwarming comments, Frances. Transformations – that is the best word to define what happens to forgotten walls. They come alive with an artist’s presence.

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