Whether you call them public conveniences, toilets, washrooms, or loos, these two in Nanaimo are a pleasure to look at. The first set of murals is by Van Charles Art at Maffeo Sutton Park and the second is by Don Richey at Brechin Boat Launch.
Category: Street Art, Public Art, Murals
Transitory Brilliance
A few days ago, I posted some images of some carefully balanced rocks that were at the water’s edge. A couple of days later they were no longer there. Today, in between rain showers I took a walk and saw some more stacked stones. When I had stopped to take a couple of photos, I […]
Parksville Sand Sculptures 2022
The theme for this year’s Parksville Sand Sculpture competition is The Roaring Twenties (or Twentys perhaps), and each visitor is given a token with which to make their selection for the People’s Choice Award. All the sculptures are well designed and well-executed so it is a hard choice.
A Tour of Cowichan Artisans
A few days ago, some friends invited me along on a tour they were making of the studios of various artisans in the Duncan area. It was a delightful day meandering around the countryside, looking at some very interesting arts and crafts, and catching up with each other. I was presented with a lot of […]
The Lovely Feisty Pam Grier
On 118th Avenue in Edmonton is an abandoned movie theatre. It has been standing unused for at least eight years, when I moved to the area. It is on a large piece of real estate in an area that is central to the city, and I have always wondered why no-one has bought it to […]
There’s No Crying In Alberta
“There’s no crying in Alberta. P.S. Get a job & give back. Thank you. Merci. Hyi Hyi. Gratious & such. Be blessed & a blessing. Much love & respect. Strawberry. Amen.” Discuss.
Rust Magic in Ritchie
Just behind some shops on 82nd Avenue in Edmonton is an alley with some interesting murals. They are from several different artists and show a variety of styles, but they have one thing in common; courageous flair. I am always impressed by the confidence it takes to create artwork on such a massive scale, and […]
Behind Gallery U
When I was visiting the Strathearn neighbourhood in Edmonton with my younger son last month, we stopped to enjoy a lovely little corner of the world. It is a parking area behind a strip mall, and a container garden, and a sculpture gallery all in one. I suspect the sculptures are the work of the […]
Wrapped Dinosaurs and a Worried Little Girl
In Borden Park this morning, workers were preparing for an exhibition of animatronic dinosaurs which will be open to the public September 24-26. Today’s park visitors were drawn to watch the hive of activity from behind red metal fences. We peered through the spaces to watch dinosaurs, wrapped in plastic, being carefully manoeuvred into place […]
Sun And Shadows
Today’s morning walk took me along the North Saskatchewan River from Louise McKinney Riverfront Park to Irene Parlby Park. I enjoyed seeing the play of light and shadow on the ground and through the leaves of the trees. I also enjoyed watching a group of about ten women learning to use Segways. When I first […]
Erasing Ideas
It is easy to dismiss murals as graffiti or even as vandalism but over the years, and the last ten years in particular, they have flourished and have become widely accepted. What was once sometimes rude and crude is now often artful and valued. Wherever I go, I enjoy seeing mural art. Most cities encourage […]
Operation Genesis
In 1997 the former Canadian naval vessel HMCS Saskatchewan became an artificial reef east of Nanaimo. This mural on Front Street by artist Jeff King portrays that vessel in situ, continuing to be of service.
Departure Bay, Vancouver Island
While visiting Nanaimo, British Columbia this week I spent a morning at Departure Bay. The bay and the neighbourhood surrounding it were incorporated into the city of Nanaimo in the 1970s. The Trans-Canada Highway on Vancouver Island terminates at Departure Bay where the BC Ferry Terminal is located. The ferry connects the island to the […]
Immersed in Paintings
Months ago, when I first read about the Imagine Van Gogh exhibition, I was keen to experience it. It was originally scheduled to be shown from March 27 to May 2, and I bought tickets for the family. Then, it was postponed for three weeks because of Covid-19 restrictions. Our tickets were transferred to the […]
Snowbird of Paradise 