The next big piece of public art going up is a mural with our city’s name on it. Local artist Jason Dussault (who has been featured in the Guggenheim Museum in New York City) is creating something that will have a permanent home in Vancouver. We dropped by to help smash some tiles earlier this month and had a chance to see this vibrant piece come together.
Here’s more from the artist himself:
What was your inspiration for this piece?
I wanted to create a fun and lovable character that locals and visitors could interact with. Barker the Evergreen will be seen taking a selfie in front of 10 foot tall letters, spelling the name of his hometown. This is just a quick pit stop as he has a busy day jam-packed with activities he has planned in his uniquely diverse city. This is depicted in his overflowing pack sack filled with active gear. I hope this sign and character will become the equivalent to the Hollywood sign in LA or the Vegas Marquis of Nevada.
Tell us about how you and 500 others created it.
Barker is made of tiles procured in East Vancouver and assembled by 500 people in the community. I encouraged volunteers to add personal touches as they worked on it (ie. perhaps shape a tile in a special way or create a pattern as they glue them). I was very pleased with the results – I noticed messages in the form of hearts, initials, and even an inukshuk. This piece is truly one-of-a-kind.
A hint about where it might be displayed?
There are two locations currently under review. One is under a bridge, the other is on the side of a decommissioned _____. That’s all I can say for now!
The project is part of the Telus 10th annual Day of Giving. For updates, follow @jasondussault, @TELUS and #actsofgiving.