A month out from having wrapped work with Vancouver Mural Festival and I’m still reflecting proudly on what I accomplished with the help of amazing art-driven individuals.
A huge thank you goes out to my curator Krystal Paraboo who believed in my abilities and gave me the opportunity to take on VMF’s community project. Thank you also to Adam Rudder from the Hogan’s Alley Society who motivated me to further educate myself on the history of Hogan’s Alley . Many thanks to Adrian Sinclair and David Vertesi for their support in accommodating a change of mural location, making its impact much more profound.
A huge thank you goes out to the entire VMF crew, including Andre Young for your guidance in the beginning stages of concept work. Thank you also to Andrea Curtis, Tom Nichini, and Steff Love who kept patient when I spaced out on the simple things like invoicing. Thank you to Hubert Kang Gabriel Martins Benz Cooper and Lauren Welland for bringing a spotlight to my work, and thank you to Lisa Wong for connecting me with the press and for constantly being upbeat. A special thank you goes out to Ellen Kibble and especially Britany Lawrence who was my rock, both of whom made sure I always had everything I needed.
No greater thank you can be given than to my shadow painter Oxana Gaida. Watching you paint made me step my game up and become a better artist. I also cannot forget Jess who cheerfully helped in the early stages of painting. I am equally grateful to former studio mate Suzy King and Craig Moston for taking time out of their busy schedules to lend me their skills. Huge thanks also go out to Amira for coming through on the homestretch, Angelica for lending me your lettering skills, Kinsey for helping me paint despite the many times I mispronounced your name, Mark Illing for your castle painting wizardry, and Annie for bringing both your technical skills et une energie come personne d’autre. Last but not least, thank you to Martin Reisle for your amazing script work that brought a nice finish to the mural.
Until the next art affair, much love to all of you and to all who came by with praise, support, and even curiosity.
To be continued…
