Over the past few years, PARK has had the pleasure of working with contemporary painter and muralist Michelle Hoogveld on a series of installations, beginning with #CHROMAYYC at Southcentre Mall. While the circumstances might be different this time around, we’re excited to reunite with Michelle to launch #VibranceYYC on St. Patrick’s Island in East Village, Calgary. To compliment Leetia Lyon’s colourful ground mural Colour Typography, Michelle created Resonance of Colour — a dynamic installation on the roof of Confluence Plaza.

“In pursuit of closeness and connection, there is a spectrum of colour which sways in emotional resonance with all that is near, far, and distantly spaced between. It is through these gradual shifts, and openness to adaptation, where the vibrancy of humanity is uplifted and held together, finding new possibilities amongst a landscape of the unknown.”

— Michelle Hoogveld

We wanted to learn more about what new possibilities are on the horizon for the internationally-renowned muralist, so we gave her a call. Read the full interview below.

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING ON SINCE OUR LAST COLLABORATION, #CHROMAYEG?

Since our last collaboration in Edmonton, I've had the opportunity to paint in a few incredibly inspiring locations. The first was in Wynwood during Art Basel, then from Miami, I went straight to Peru to paint a mural in the Andes, and shortly afterward, I participated in Pow! Wow! Hawaii for their 10th-anniversary mural festival! Since then, I have done a few local murals as well as showed in Atlanta with Kai Lin Gallery. I currently have a project in the works that I am super excited about, but will have to wait until travel is more accessible again!

YOU’VE BEEN QUITE BUSY THESE PAST 8 MONTHS, HOW HAS TRAVELLING AND BEING PART OF THESE PROJECTS IMPACTED YOUR WORK?

I have been looking at ways of bringing more organic shapes into my style, and creating contrasts between clean lines and loose paint strokes with bold washes of colour. I am currently looking at ways of translating my work into a variety of environments with the aim of bringing a heightened level of colour to spaces. Working with ProCreate has really helped in the process of expanding these ideas with the hopes of bringing these concepts to life soon!

HOW DID YOU FIRST BEGIN PAINTING MURALS AND WAS THERE A LEARNING CURVE?

I first began painting in the public realm while painting electric boxes through the Calgary Utility Box Program. From there, my work naturally evolved to larger-scale works — always pushing to go bigger and bigger. I feel that with anything new, there is always a natural period of growth. From experimenting with different materials, approaching new surfaces and spaces, or collaborating with artists and stakeholders, there is quite a bit of space to push yourself artistically and learn new tricks and skills.

SPEAKING OF PUSHING YOURSELF, WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU FIND YOURSELF DEALING WITH ARTIST BLOCK?

For me, it’s a combination of introspection and play! Both of these really help guide me back into a creative and inspired flow. Whether that means spending time in nature, moving my body, or listening to music, bringing myself to a new space or mindset really gives me the freedom to reflect and regain momentum within my art practice.

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN LISTENING TO, WATCHING, OR FOLLOWING THAT YOU’D LIKE TO RECOMMEND?

I’m BIG into music so Spotify is ALWAYS on! Lane 8, Elderbrook, Rodriguez Jr., Louis the Child, Otis Redding, The Weekend, MBF, Rueben And The Dark, Ocie Elliott…this list could go on and on and on.

I love following street and gallery artists from around the world, that and skateboarding vids are my current IG jams.

For podcasts, I recommend Vantage Point Radio, Tim Ferris, Up Top Podcast, and the Mark Groves podcast.