Public art adding colour to Vancouver

This mural is one of the many great pieces of public art to enjoy in out city. It’s on Commercial Drive and East 5th Avenue, beside Cafe Deux Soleils. My son was intrigued with the artist who painted it and he asked lots of questions, as usual. That’s how he learned about Montana Spray Paint – which is hand made in Barcelona and goes for $10 to 15 a can – “the highest quality spray paint made worldwide,” says their website.

Since then, we have acquired some of our own Montana paint and just need the right canvas of sorts… We also have a copy of the documentary film Beautiful Losers – about a group of outsiders in NYC in the 1990s who found community in a small gallery.

Says the website: “Rooted in the DIY (do-it-yourself) subcultures of skateboarding, surf, punk, hip hop & graffiti, they made art that reflected the lifestyles they led. Developing their craft with almost no influence from the ‘establishment’ art world, this group, and the subcultures they sprang from, have now become a movement that has been transforming pop culture.”

My son and I agree the city “needs more colour” – and we are happy to see more murals appearing. His love of art is reminding me how much I love making art myself. In fact, he is the most hilarious flatterer when it comes to my drawings and paintings. “This is amazing!” he yells. “Mom! You should quit being a writer and be a professional artist instead!”