When I approach any art project or design opportunity, I find myself thinking about the possibilities and the final product. I dream of what this project could become, and I try to push myself to discover something new and expand the job so it can be bigger than the original idea. I love being able to follow the thread of an idea and see it unravel into something much more meaningful and vibrant that I had originally planned.
Before anything else, I like to do research on the topic of choice. I find the more informed I am, the easier it can be for me to create something that is believable, even if it is something loose in form. I find this step critical in my creative process as it gives me a foundation of confidence to move forward. Even taking the time to quickly look up geography of a place or anatomy of an animal helps me to understand how to place it in the world I’m creating.
After gaining an understanding for my subject or topic, I am able to sketch or storyboard the composition so that I can picture exactly where everything will be placed. I find this part key to setting up an eye-pleasing layout.
Next is creating! I always find that there is a fine line between preparation and execution. Once I get started on the creative stage of a project, I like to let it get away from me a little, and give it space to be a little messy. Sometimes this will define the style of a project, other times it will inspire a new element.
When I think about the chance to join the Urban Design Roster, I see it as an opportunity to expand my artistic practice. I don’t have a lot of urban design experience, but I do feel confident in the skills I already have. Using these to make something different is essentially what I’ve been cultivating over the last 10 years. You’ll see in my portfolio the variety of projects I have created recently, and the breadth of their form and function from one project to the next. Outside of that, I want to spread some art and beauty around this vibrant community. I love Nanaimo and I’d love to create art that reminds the people who live here how lucky they are to call The Harbour City home.