VMF2020: Strathcona
Strathcona is one of Vancouver's earliest neighbourhoods with a community that has a unique charm with a diverse mix of people, history and architecture. It’s also home to our Strathcona Street Party, a celebration of public art, local artisans, and craft beer in Vancouver. Plan a day in this neighbourhood around visiting the locally owned cafes and breweries along the way (HOT TIP: use our Strathcona Beer & Mural Tour collection in our free Mobile App!).
“Roar and Tumble”
882 East Cordova
Mural Statement:
"In Vancouver, we get about 165 days of rain per year. Whether we love it or hate it, rain is a big part of the city's identity. So who do we have to blame for all those drizzly commutes to work, stormy beach days and cozy weekends indoors, seeking refuge from the rain? That would be Tlaloc, God of Rain, and one of the most important gods in Aztec Culture. The Aztec’s impressive ancient capital city, Tenochtitlan, was located where Mexico City is today. Having grown up in Mexico City, I learned about the important role of Tlaloc to the Aztecs, as giver of water, rain, and earthly fertility.
In this triptic we find a representation of Tlaloc in the centre with fangs and goggle eyes formed by two intertwining snakes. To the left is his first wife, Xochiquetzal, who was the goddess of flowers and art. To the right is Chalchiuhtlicue, his second wife who was the goddess of rivers, lakes and streams.”
Sponsored by Low Tide Properties
“Sea to Sky”
855 East Hastings Street
Mural Statement:
“This mural is inspired by my love for the west coast and sea to sky region. We're blessed with the opportunity to live in a province that intertwines so closely with nature, and I hope to show that by portraying some animals commonly seen in British Columbia such as orcas, seals, and otters. I'd like this piece to act as a reminder to enjoy what our province has to offer and respect nature and the environment.”
Sponsored by Low Tide Properties
“Late Bloomer”
895 East Hastings Street
Mural Statement:
“Late Bloomer is a very personal piece which explores seasons of growth, change, and self-discovery. During these past few years, I revived my love for art after a decade of dormant creativity and am continually developing my own voice and learning to bloom in my own time. With this mural, I wanted to paint a flow of feelings in floral form - a sense of wonder, an unraveling of fears and inhibitions, a restoration of strength and self-love, and the wild, turbulent perseverance that is required to truly grow. The two spirit creatures visually depict the delicate balance of duality, whether it be order & chaos, the sun & the moon, joy & pain, to ponder the notion that not everything is so black and white, and the sea of space between two opposing principles could possibly set the tone for a new kind of mutual understanding and harmonious existence.”
Sponsored by Low Tide Properties
“Give It Time”
403 East Hastings Street
Mural Statement:
“In Coast Salish culture, we teach our children that whenever a creature shows up frequently, this is a sign telling us to focus on areas of personal growth. I’ve created this imagery of caterpillars and a butterfly to bring awareness to the transformations we take for granted.
I designed a Butterfly story because she symbolizes great transformation and personal growth within the young and young at heart, in many different cultures around the world.
With such power attributed to something so gentle, Butterflies are a symbol of life, so fragile. Every action, no matter how large or small, will bring an opposite reaction. The Butterfly reminds us to be aware and create balance and unity in our mind and spirit.
What if that change you’ve been afraid of is the one that gives you wings, for, when the caterpillar could not go any further, she began to fly.”
“Style Takes Courage”
882 E Cordova - South Facing
Mural Statement:
“This mural touches on individual style and encourages individuality. Big stylistic lettering fit in between spray can characters each exhibiting their individual style and flare, within a stylized landscape background, the mural looks to speak to individuals of any age.”
Sponsored by Low Tide Properties
See the other 8 neighbourhoods’ new murals from VMF2020: Gastown, Marpole, River District, South Granville, Downtown, West End, Mount Pleasant, and Robson.
Download our free Mobile App for self guided tours and more information on the 250+ murals across the city! Look for the "2020 Strathcona" Collection to find these 5 new murals!
Photos by Gabriel Martins
