From plain, boring plywood to colourful messages of hope and gratitude.
As non-essential businesses across Vancouver remain boarded up during the COVID-19 pandemic, local artists have responded by turning plywood into canvases.
They've used their skills to transform what was initially an eerily depressing sight into bright, cheerful messages of hope and gratitude .
While these intricate murals are popping up all over the city, if you're properly following physical distancing guidelines that likely means you've only been able to check out the creations in your own neighbourhood. Here's a few of the many inspiring murals we found on social media over the past few days, because let's face it - we're all in need of a little positivity these days.
Have a look, and feel free to share your favourite murals with us by using the hashtag #vancouverisawesome.
One of the most enchanting things about being creative is the ability to bring something into this world that did not previously exist . . At the start of the pandemic, I spent a lot of time thinking about how I could contribute in a meaningful way to the world. I was inspired by the healthcare warriors who were working tirelessly on the medical frontlines to ensure our collective survival. As a crimefighter myself, my mission to protect the community may look a little different, but my heart is in the trenches with them. As an artist, I wanted to leverage my creativity to help transform the narrative of this pandemic into one about hope and resilience. For me, art is about community and connection. There was truly no better time to create beauty, especially because the world has been hurting so badly . . This mural is a story about unity and empowerment. I created this piece to pay homage to the league of extraordinary real-life superheroes who have kept the COVID-19 crisis at bay. There are so many examples of bravery in all pockets of our community: from our healthcare heroes; to our first responders; to our essential front-line workers; and to my fellow artists who have found creative ways to add a sense of vibrancy and vitality back to neighbourhoods across Vancouver. We may not get to hear all of their origin stories, but we’ve witnessed their superpowers in action throughout this crisis . . The pandemic has created a shared universe where our superheroes are united in their mission to flatten the curve over Vancouver. In Latin, IN OMNIA PARATUS means “Ready for Anything”. Three simple words that carry so much meaning, and I believe it defines the hero’s journey that we are all on this year. It’s a reminder that no one is powerless when we stand together . . Deep gratitude to @kimprintsframing & @mygastown for this incredible opportunity, @evocarshare for giving me the space to share my artistic vision, @keatonlawlor for capturing this experience, and @okokkokokook for being my creative force multiplier on this journey . . Let’s all continue to do our part to reclaim our City ! . Mural location: 332 Water Street (alley), Vancouver.
A post shared by Real Jen Art (@realjenart) on May 15, 2020 at 1:41pm PDT
“This Time Is An Offering, To Learn And Strive. Make Good Use Of The Moment, Use It Well, Use It Wisely. Reflect, Rekindle, Recharge, And Stand Strong. Reach Out, Spread The Word, That We Are In This Together.” @EMS_PORTFOLIO for @KIMPRINTSFRAMING who boarded up her shop and called on artists to paint the plywood in Gastown. Emerald Repard-Denniston is a 2nd year art student at the Ontario College of Art and Design who had help from her sister, and her mom, who wrote the poem within the mural. Nicely done fam! And thank you to the guy down the street who was power washing all the paint splatter off the sidewalk. 🙏🏻😊💙#begotsvancouver #begotsgastown #begotsbritishcolumbia #begotscanada #begots #begotstravels #blueelfglobetrottingofftheshelf #streetartyvr #yvrstreetart #vancouver #yvr #vancity #gastown #604 #vancouvermural #covidstreetart #covidmural #globalstreetart #plywoodmurals #vancouverstreetart #masklife #streetartdaily #facemasks #dailyhivevan #ourgastown #covidyvr #gastownmurals
A post shared by Blue Elf (@b.e.g.o.t.s) on Apr 20, 2020 at 8:18am PDT
