#OURPARK2020 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: PAINTER & MURALIST MICHELLE HOOGVELD
This week, PARK launched the first phase of a multi-faceted year-long campaign — #OURPARK2020 celebrates the local small-business and our creative community in Calgary by spreading positivity and uplifting stories. In partnership with @pattisonoutdoor, we’ve teamed up with a group of local artists and graphic designers to create unique digital murals to brighten up the city’s streets as we slowly work to re-open during the COVID-19 pandemic! Murals can be viewed on billboards across the city and virtually on Instagram and Facebook using the hashtag #ourpark2020.
We are also profiling and sharing more about the artists behind each mural, starting with contemporary painter and muralist Michelle Hoogveld.
Known internationally for her vibrant use of colour, Michelle’s work is inspired by culture, design, and matters of the heart. Through combinations of geometric shapes, expressive brushstrokes, and patterns, Michelle seeks ways to translate colour into emotion, exploring the relationship between people, places, and the significance of connection.
“I am constantly dreaming of ways to bring colour to life, and love exploring new surfaces and how to make art more interactive for the viewer. You can find a few of my murals around the city, so feel free to snap a pic and let me know what you think!”
We wanted to learn more about what attracted Michelle to #OURPARK2020 and how she’s staying inspiring during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the full interview below.
What attracted you to PARK’s mural project and how did you develop the initial concept for your piece?
To be honest, having my work on a billboard has always been a dream! Combined with the intention of the project, I immediately knew that I wanted to take part. I centred my concept on the heart of the city and thankfulness for all of those who have committed so much during this pandemic. There is a lot of love being shared and I really wanted to emphasize the good amongst the unknown. When people see my mural I want them to think ‘LOVE…more and more love!’
In your opinion, how do these murals connect communities across the city and providing a sense of joy?
For me, this project creates a sense of optimism and gratitude in a time that is so new to each and every one of us. It’s all about the little things, shifting and thinking of unique ways to bring happiness and support to individuals and communities citywide. With every gesture of kindness and appreciation, we elevate the collective mindset, coming together that much more — and to me, that is what this is all about — coming together, with love.
How, if at all, has COVID-19 impacted your artistic practice and artistic point of view?
Primarily a muralist, I have had to shift my practice to [be] more studio-based. Although it has been a pretty big adjustment, I have really been trying to see the good within it all. Oddly enough, sometimes it’s in these moments of stillness, where some of my best ideas are formed! I find myself asking how I can explore certain concepts and have even questioned how I can better approach my business. It really has been about being adaptable and committing to creating even if it looks a bit different than normal.
Speaking of creating, for you, what is the hardest or most challenging part of creating new work?
As an artist, or creator in general, you can have so many ideas in how to make a concept larger than life, but the budget may fall short. Sometimes it’s about having the patience to allow all the pieces to come together so that it can be realized as closely to the original design. Or, seeking creative ways to bring as much of that vision alive while staying in the confines of what you or the client can afford.
If time and funding wasn't a concern, what dream project would you like to pursue?
I would love to create a huge immersive space, set on a giant piece of land! Almost like [something] from a scene of Charlie and The Chocolate factory — where people would explore different colour palettes and patterns in a variety of shapes and forms. It would be like a little city of colour! I also would love to paint an airplane.
To add one more sense to it, what music would you pick to accompany your artwork?
It would be all Dance, House, Funk, and Soul!
Stay connected
Click here to learn more about #OURPARK2020