Life Goddess helps liven up Transcona
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/09/2018 (1715 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Life Goddess, the latest addition to the wonderful murals in the heart of Transcona, is a vibrant and stunningly beautiful work of art.
Located on the side of the Sevala’s Ukrainian Deli and Catering building at 126 Victoria Ave. W., the mural is 15 metres wide by four metres high. It was painted using aerosol spray paint by artist Michael Johnston, who said it “celebrates strength, confidence, empowerment and beauty.”
Transcona BIZ has a mural program to “bring the best of urban art to our community,” according to its website. “We’ve engaged some of the finest urban street artists to bring our murals up to international standards.”
Indeed they have. Just take a walk around downtown Transcona and you’ll find many wonderful artworks from a variety of talented artists.
The BIZ approached Sevala’s owners asking if they would like to have a mural painted on the side of their building. Del Demchuk said he was happy to oblige, if the painting could have a Ukrainian theme.
Johnston collaborated with the Demchuk family to get a feel of what they were about.
Amy Teres, whose parents currently own Sevala’s, told me she and her sister, Sam Demchuk, are working towards taking over the business one day.
It was founded by their grandmother, Sylvia Beck, who was a dreamer and a strong, independent woman who worked through barriers to get the business up and running.
Sam and Amy were inspired by her and are proud to be the third generation to carry on her legacy. With this information, Johnston proposed the idea of portraying a modern young woman of Ukrainian heritage who exudes confidence and strength. They were excited about this concept.
The BIZ board of directors approved the design. BIZ members want their sponsored murals to benefit the community rather than advertise any particular business. Through funds generated by its membership fees, the BIZ pays the artist and space is donated by the business owner. In this instance, Sevala’s also provided a donation.
The mural depicts a bejeweled young Ukrainian woman wearing a traditional head wreath, called a vinok, made of flowers, grains and grasses. Multi-coloured ribbons attached to the back of the wreath blow in the wind. Sunflowers, the national flower of Ukraine, and poppies, which grow in abundance there, complement the beauty of the wreath.
Del told me he couldn’t be happier with the final painting, saying they’ve been getting “super good” comments about it. People from all areas of the city have been stopping by to see it and take photos.
Johnston, who is also an established tattoo artist, has created many other murals in the city. Next time you walk past a mural check the signature of the artist. Wall art is a significant contribution to our city’s vibrancy and it’s important to recognize the talented artisans we have right here in Winnipeg.
Suzanne Hunter is a community correspondent for Transcona.