If you’ve visited The Food Lodge at #YYCBlockParty, you’ve probably taken a seat at one of the quirky and playful picnic tables decked out in mouthwatering food favourites. You have Calgary-based illustrator, Cory Bugden, to thank for these! After working with a graphic design agency that served clients such as Red Bull, Oakley and Speedo, Bugdenwent on to pursue a higher education in illustration. Since then, the AU Arts graduate has built quite the reputation for his fun-or-nothing approach to design, showcasing art for Mill St.Brewery, his very own graphic novel - Waves, Calgary’s Shaw Pride Walk, the 480ft Magic Walk (alongside Sydonne Warren and Tyler Lemermeyer), and PARK’s CHROMA On The Rise. Now, Cory has #YYCBlockParty to add to his impressive resume, bringing new life to The Food Lodge’s outdoor dining experience with the help of his partner Sarah Lamoureux (who knew picnic tables could be so fun?). We caught up with the artist to chat all things Block Party, finding inspiration, and summer jams that will keep the good vibes rolling.

Sarah Lamoureux & Cory Bugden | Photo by Courtney Verbeek

Could you explain your inspiration & process behind your project for Block Party?

My inspiration for the project was based around activities and objects that are fun under the sun! My partner (S arah Lamoureux) and I sat together and brainstormed tons of things that reminded us of beautiful summer days. Turns out, most of those objects were food LOL.

What would you say you're most excited for with this project?

When I was a kid my parents would bring me to Deerfoot Mall so I’ve seen Deerfoot City’s transformation from the beginning. When PARK and Deerfoot City asked me to be a part of this project I was super excited thinking that I could bring my skills to contribute to that transformation, especially for the families that are going there now.

Photo by Arden Shibley, Yellowhouse Aerial

In general, where do you find inspiration for your art?

I love nature and the smaller things in life - and food, apparently. A lot of my work looks at things from a different view/scale. My partner and I are big collectors, so looking at things around our apartment usually sparks a drawing or idea. In April, I started doing a drawing a day and those have been a treasure trove of random thoughts that sometimes branch off into big and exciting things.

What do you hope people take away from your work when they see it at Block Party?

The main emotion I would want people to take away from the experience at the Block Party would be happiness - I love making people smile. Who wouldn’t crack a smile when they can literally eat a taco while sitting at a table with a taco! It’s taco-ception and I’m here for it.

Any exciting upcoming projects that you can share with us?

I’m a freelancer at the moment so there’s definitely a few random things going on. I recently did an editorial illustration of Carly Rae Jepsen for a new music publication that launched this year, I had her albums on repeat for days. I’m also in the works of creating a new collaborative studio with my partner, Sarah Lamoureux. We are super excited to announce it to the world soon!

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming local artists looking to make their mark?

Draw everyday, but don’t beat yourself up if you don’t. If it makes you smile, keep rolling with it and see where it takes you!

Photo by Courtney Verbeek, Deerfoot City

Before you go - any summer jams on your playlist to get us creatively inspired?

I have been obsessed with these songs! They are perfect for summertime/happy vibes:
- Texas Sun - Khruangbin & Leon Bridges
- All Good - Samm Henshaw
- Breakfast (Intro) - Mic Kellogg

#YYCBlockParty is open now at Destination Deerfoot City and will remain open all summer long. Share your photos with us using the hashtag #YYCBlockParty and tag @ourparkonline and @destinationdeerfootcity so we can join in on the fun!

Learn more about Cory and his work at corybugden.com