My neighbourhood is enriched by this colourful wraparound mural decorating the outside of a manufacturing plant just minutes from my home.
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Painted by international artist and muralist, Paul Ygartua, it is the largest such work done entirely by hand.
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Ygartua was commissioned to do this work in 2000 by Keith Scott, founder of Beachcomber Hot Tubs. Titled 'Legends of the Millennium', it recently underwent a touch up by the artist and once more bursts with life.
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Mr. Scott's vision has provided a piece that belongs in, and to, the community. As good art should, it gives pleasure, elicits reflection and is accessible for all to enjoy.
The walls celebrate those who impacted our lives in the last century. Religious leaders, sports heroes and film stars are but a few of those represented in the 31 figures the mural portrays. I wonder how many you can name on sight...I admit that a couple of them still give me pause.
It is stunning to remember in what extraordinary ways these exceptional individuals have enriched the quality of our lives, and more importantly, how they've served to remind us that absolutely nothing is impossible if we back up our dreams with hard work and relentless determination.
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Being a great fan of basketball, I end with Michael Jordan, whose unwavering focus has always filled me with awe...
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I'm linking this post to Lesley's wonderful 'Signs, Signs' meme. For more signs from around the world, do drop in for a visit!
http://signs2.blogspot.com/
I would also like to dedicate this post to Klaus Peter, an astonishing wildlife photographer and naturalist. Klaus was founder of That's My World, and owner-administrator of Skywatch. He will be missed by the many of us who've come to love his work, and the generosity with which he shared his knowledge and his spirit.
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You won't be forgotten, Klaus...
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http://www.showyourworld.blogspot.com/
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http://skyley.blogspot.com/
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You won't be forgotten, Klaus...
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http://www.showyourworld.blogspot.com/
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http://skyley.blogspot.com/
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Yay Gretsky! Glad to see the Edmonton Oilers uniform immortalized in the mural!
ReplyDeleteThis is incredible. Just wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThis would make me look again and again! As I did with your pictures. What beautiful work and I love murals.
ReplyDeleteI would need help with some of the sports guys.
The one with Elvis next to the Dali Lama kind of made me smile!
Oh, lovely murals and beautiful clouds, too! Found your blog from Signs, Signs. Hope you like my entry. Have a nice day ahead.
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible thing to have on your doorstep. It must be a joy to see and a constant inspiration, just wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the fairy name link :o)
ReplyDeleteA bigger than life mural!
ReplyDeleteand much more interesting than I thought it might be when I read your post title - being in BC, (and really showing my age, here) my first thought was The Beachcombers tv show!
Wow! This mural is great. I'm struggling trying to figure out who has been left out. I haven't thought any yet.
ReplyDeleteGood Morning, Lynette,
ReplyDeleteThis is just amazing...and you have captured it well with your camera.
Make a thoughtful Thursday. ~Natalie
Amazing! So many interesting details to look at. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletefantastic work.. with so much finesse :)
ReplyDeleteKudos to the artist !!
these are impressive murals! what an amazing artist.
ReplyDeleteWow these mural is speaking loud. Just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSigns
Amazing public art with an incredible collection of famous faces! Fascinating!
ReplyDeletewhat an enormous mural
ReplyDeletefitting tribute to Klaus
I agree, a wonderful mural. Sorry to hear about Klaus.
ReplyDeleteWonderful - it must be great fun to walk along and try to identify everyone!
ReplyDeleteAwesome art, I agree that this kind of art is really "of the people". I have never been to the "Signs" meme , I am going to check it out right now!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how talented some people are, can you imagine the amount of work....
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of the mural.
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
Strange that I have never stumbled onto this larger than life mural, Lynette! The Terry Fox illustration particularly caught my attention, possibly because his mom passed away this year. I like how the characters seem to emerge from the ground as if they had been planted there. About your previous post … how wonderful that you got to see the torch from “above”. Great shots of your adventure that day. :)
ReplyDeleteVery interesting love the sky on the first shot.
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible and inspiring work of art - you are so lucky to have it close to home. Thanks for sharing it. I love looking at those faces, that have all impacted our lives so strongly this century. Wonderful! On my next visit, we must go see this in person.
ReplyDeleteWonderful work.
ReplyDeleteRegards!
What a fab collection, and so much nicer to see than all the drab grey that usually surounds industrial areas
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great mural!! I cannot even fathom how long that must have taken to complete!! Have a great week! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's an amazing mural! It must have taken weeks and weeks to complete.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful tribute to those who pursued their dreams and goals, providing inspiration for all of us. What a terrific job Paul Ygartua has done in this mural!
ReplyDeleteawesome. hope our very own manny pacquio would be there soon :)
ReplyDeleteLove it! Wonderful mural!
ReplyDeleteMadeleine Begun Kane
I am amazed by this mural and the cast of characters within it. Ive just discovered your blog after being on Penelope's yesterday. Nice to find another Canadian. I lived in Vancouver for two years and your blog brings back memories. I loved your beautiful studio. Your special collections must bring you great inspiration. I am your latest follower.
ReplyDeleteYou've been quiet lately. Hope you're okay!
ReplyDeleteMadeleine Begun Kane
Hi Lynette, dropping by from Penelope's post of this mural. It is a labor of love. The work is artistically done. We have one mural a block long, not a wrap around.
ReplyDeleteI hope they preserve this...and vandals free.