Welcome to Christina Lake

This mural welcomes visitors to the B.C. town, Christina Lake, in the Kootenay region of the province.

Ancient whales

I don't know the age of this Victoria, B.C. mural, featuring killer whales --  but it's not new!

Comfort food

Mural on the Burgoo Bistro - Main Street (Vancouver) location

Valentine-like

From coy to coquette with, along the way, a little desperation, these four murals from Vernon B.C. have that Valentine quality.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

smooth and sweet

Mural on the wall of the Washington Avenue Grill - White Rock B.C.

Street Soccer

"Street Soccer 2009" 

Another Commercial Drive mural, the unnamed artist hangs out at tobinism.com.

Scarecrow on the Drive

Here we are, back on Commercial Drive, Vancouver. This delightful scarecrow guarding pumpkin and a squash looks like it has come right out of a kid's storybook.

"Torch" eagle

Another eagle from the Eagles in the City project (Vancouver area), "Torch" was painted by Marty Collins.

I photographed it when it was on display at Cascades Casino in Langley, B.C. These eagles have since been auctioned, with the money collected going to Easter Seal Services to children with disabilities.

In progress

This Victoria, BC mural was in progress when I photographed it last summer. It's an interesting blend of woodland scene and faux facade.

The Overlanders Sculpture - Kamloops B.C.

The beautiful bronze sculpture, "The Overlanders of 1862," was created in 2003 by Kamloops artists Garry Davies and Terry Norlander. The story of the piece is on the plaque below. I enjoyed photographing it from various angles.

Harrison scenics

I captured these three small murals when visiting Harrison Hot Springs this summer. They are all painted by Ken Skoda.

Treasure map?

I'm not sure what this last Granville Bridge mural signifies. All the red x's remind me of a treasure map (perhaps signifying all the favourite eateries in the Vancouver 'burbs'?). I love the pink skyscrapers.

I photographed it in three sections and was able to make a fairly decent stitch.

Light-filled prehistoric

Back to the Granville Bridge collection, here is another mural found on the underside of that bridge in Vancouver. I am struck by the purity of the turquoise and how it lights up the dingy setting. (As always, clicking on the photo will enlarge.)

Meaning-loaded tree

t's high time for an update here at the mural blog. Though this summer wasn't as rich in mural sightings as some have been, I do have some new murals and other art languishing in my photo collections. So here goes with a new start and (hopefully) a weekly update.

I'm going to begin with a wall hanging, photographed in Cedar Park MB Church in Ladner, B.C. a year ago yesterday (November 7, 2009). We were there to attend a concert and I was struck by the hanging and its interpretation (which is barely legible even when you click on it to enlarge - so I have included it below).

(Click on image to enlarge to biggest size and appreciate the details)

The making and meaning behind the "Tree Visual"

Nurturing a vibrant relationship with Christ
Earth/Roots

"After praying for inspiration and blessing, the first element applied to the blank canvas was the rich soil. Pages of an old King James Bible, glued with dirt, and given a wash of brown and copper acrylic paint, established the foundation; literally rooting the tree in God's word. The vision statement is hand stamped on copper and connected throughout the soil and around the roots with silk ribbon. Marbles and recycled beads are sprinkled like dew drops and pearls of wisdom, nestled amongst the moss and roots.

Nurturing meaningful relationships with others
Tree trunk/Branches

The same material was used for the branches, tree and roots — stripped branches from the church's old willow tree, bound together with cropper wire. The trunk is wrapped in fabric and then copper mesh which is made to protect gardens form slugs in addition to being beautiful, is a metaphor of God's protection and loving arms around us.

Nurturing intentional relationships with our world
Leaves/Fruit:

A mixture of satin, organza and tulle made up the vibrant tree foliage, with pieces of recycled hydrangea and coconut shell leaves added to help represent our relationship with others and the world. The background was created using strips of sky-blue tissue paper and glue. Thin bands of copper were woven amongst the top of the tree, to represent each person's unique story and gifts. Lastly, a sprinkling of autumn berries were added, to be changed with the seasons, reminding us to be relevant and in harmony with the world."

— Created by Sandy Dalgleish & Karen Graham, October, 2009.

Under the bridge

Here is a mural we found under the Granville Street Bridge on a recent visit to Granville Island. Looks like Vancouver in its caveman days to me.

More eagles in the city

These three beautiful eagle statues are from the Vancouver Island Eagles in the City project.

"The Power of One" by Bernadette McCormack

"West Coast Roots" by Lynn Kingham

"Free Fall" by Wendy "Sage River" Rogers

Orca - "Maximilian"

"Maximilian" is another of the Orcas in the City from the Victoria project. It's situated on the Lower Causeway on the downtown Victoria waterfront (or at least that's where I photographed it last summer). Artists of what looks like a cut-glass mosaic overlay are Sara Gifford, Jan Van Sickle and Michael Hofmann.

Orcas project

Last summer in our travels around Victoria we sighted several Orcas from the Orcas in the City project. Below is one of these fun, statues. Though they all start out looking the same, each ends up with a unique personality.

"VictoriOrca" by Peter Karas & Corinne Garlick

Ethnic food comes alive

Mural on the wall of Kostas Greek Restaurant - Langley, B.C.

Enjoy your pita, tzatziki, spanokapita, souvlaki and calamari against the backdrop of a Greek villa. 

Picturesque bird

Over the last few years the Vancouver area has hosted several 'critters' in the city projects. The first one was Orcas In the City. The next was Spirit Bears in the City. The latest project is Eagles In the City. Here is one of those eagles, currently on display at the Fraser Valley Regional Library Langley city branch, where you will find me often, borrowing or returning books.

"Reflective Flight" was painted by Betty Powell and Marlene Harker

The purpose of these projects is to showcase local artists, encourage tourism, and  raise money for the Easter Seal Houses, which provide services to children with disabilities around the province