Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Signs, Signs: Beachcomber Mural

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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32 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Yay Gretsky! Glad to see the Edmonton Oilers uniform immortalized in the mural!

Lois Evensen said...

This is incredible. Just wonderful.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

This would make me look again and again! As I did with your pictures. What beautiful work and I love murals.

I would need help with some of the sports guys.

The one with Elvis next to the Dali Lama kind of made me smile!

Michelle said...

Oh, lovely murals and beautiful clouds, too! Found your blog from Signs, Signs. Hope you like my entry. Have a nice day ahead.

Deborah said...

What an incredible thing to have on your doorstep. It must be a joy to see and a constant inspiration, just wonderful!

Deborah said...

I LOVE the fairy name link :o)

VioletSky said...

A bigger than life mural!
and 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!

Andy said...

Wow! This mural is great. I'm struggling trying to figure out who has been left out. I haven't thought any yet.

Tins and Treasures said...

Good Morning, Lynette,
This is just amazing...and you have captured it well with your camera.

Make a thoughtful Thursday. ~Natalie

rapunzel said...

Amazing! So many interesting details to look at. Thanks for sharing.

Jyoti Mishra said...

fantastic work.. with so much finesse :)
Kudos to the artist !!

Unknown said...

these are impressive murals! what an amazing artist.

Kim, USA said...

Wow these mural is speaking loud. Just beautiful!



Signs

Gemma Wiseman said...

Amazing public art with an incredible collection of famous faces! Fascinating!

Kel said...

what an enormous mural
fitting tribute to Klaus

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

I agree, a wonderful mural. Sorry to hear about Klaus.

RedPat said...

Wonderful - it must be great fun to walk along and try to identify everyone!

Anonymous said...

Awesome 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!

RURAL said...

It's amazing how talented some people are, can you imagine the amount of work....

Great shots of the mural.

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

Penelope Notes said...

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. :)

Saun said...

Very interesting love the sky on the first shot.

Sherry Blue Sky said...

What 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.

Tatjana Parkacheva said...

Wonderful work.

Regards!

Katy Cameron said...

What a fab collection, and so much nicer to see than all the drab grey that usually surounds industrial areas

adrielleroyale said...

Wow, what a great mural!! I cannot even fathom how long that must have taken to complete!! Have a great week! :)

EG CameraGirl said...

It's an amazing mural! It must have taken weeks and weeks to complete.

Pat said...

This 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!

Oman said...

awesome. hope our very own manny pacquio would be there soon :)

Madeleine Begun Kane said...

Love it! Wonderful mural!
Madeleine Begun Kane

Sheila said...

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.

Madeleine Begun Kane said...

You've been quiet lately. Hope you're okay!
Madeleine Begun Kane

Ebie said...

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.

I hope they preserve this...and vandals free.