My first time painting in public was a very rewarding experience — everything from meeting and chatting with the other artists, to working out in the open, to interactions with curious passersby.
Screenshots of progress videos from Emily Lau (@emilyartgalleryvan), who was my next-table neighbour.
A huge thanks to her, because I don't have any documentation with myself in it!
This event was sponsored by Tourism Richmond, Dulux, and Lansdowne Centre. In March, Tourism Richmond posted a call for artists for their second Pop-Up Picnic event, which will give picnic areas around Richmond unique custom painted tables. They were looking for designs that represent what both visitors and locals love about Richmond. I submitted a concept and was very excited to be chosen as one of the seven artists.
Day 1 progress — Tuesday April 5
I created a double-sided design made for viewing from both seats of the bench.
The center of the table top represents Richmond’s intermingling of culture and history that is valued by both its visitors and residents. The fish leaping to meet in the center and visit each other's homes is a play on Yin-Yang imagery. Traditionally, fish swimming in a circle represents balance, harmony, and the connection of all living things. In this version, the fish represent the vibrancy and excitement that is born from the different cultures meeting and intermingling — the koi being the East, and the salmon being the West.
Day 2 progress — Friday April 8
The edges of the table top present environments and contexts for the two fish in the center, connected by a body of water. It shows imagery from iconic locations in Richmond, specifically the docks of Steveston, and gardens in the International Buddhist Society. They are beautifully preserved places that have retained their respective historic heritage. For Steveston, it’s the quaint historic fishing village and early 1900s style architecture. For the International Buddhist Society, it’s authentic spiritual peace and traditional Chinese architecture.
Day 3 progress — Saturday April 9
The benches are covered in a scale-like pattern that not only reflect the fish in the center, but also act as abstractions for elements of the locations illustrated — waves on the blue bench and temple roof tiles on the yellow bench.
Day 4 progress — Sunday April 10
On the first day of painting, I met the organizers from Tourism Richmond and received one can of Dulux white paint. With that and my own tubes of primary colours of acrylic paint, I mixed all the colours used on this table. I used miscellaneous take-out containers collected at home to hold all the mixed paints. Thanks to Lansdowne Centre, all the painters had access to a backroom nearby to store materials and wash brushes.
Day 5 final photos — Monday April 11
It was really enlightening to speak to several other freelance artists who have been doing this for much longer than I have. It was also heartwarming to hear compliments and encouragement from people walking by and enjoying our work.
