Stay tuned for an interview and process video by Apple Wagon Films coming October 2024!
I was selected by the Thunder Bay Museum to design and paint a mural on a pillar in front of the building. I was honoured to work alongside other artists whom I had previously met through various community wellness initiatives. As we worked, we witnessed the community's excitement and joy in response to our paintings. Art radiates energy, and we infused each piece with healing intentions, offering them as gifts to the people of Thunder Bay.
Text on the pillar: "Joy is our right" interwoven with the Arabic words فرح (joy), محبة (love/charity) and وحدة (unity). The base says "The sun is shining. Nature finds its way and so will we".
Joy is a vital part of life and resilience; it is healing, rejuvenating, wholesome, and essential in fostering connection. I believe that much of the grief we experience in life is not only because of what has hurt us, but also lost opportunities for joy and the joy we have denied ourselves. I hope this mural inspires passersby to welcome more joy into their lives.
As we look to nature with joyous eyes, the warmth of the sun passes through a prism that radiates the beautiful diversity of nature.
Mockup:
Using 3D software, I created a model of the pillar and UV unwrapped it to develop a template for my design.
Using a grid, I mapped out the design on the pillar before painting.
