Patrick Belanger’s art will flap in the breeze above citizens’ heads on lamp posts on major streets throughout the Harbour City this year.
His work was chosen as this year’s street banner design. Each year, the City of Nanaimo invites amateur and professional artists to submit their designs for the competition. The theme was culture in horticulture and there were 12 submissions. The banners can be hung separately or combined.
“I took the subject totally literally and decided to do a typical Nanaimo scene,” said Belanger, adding that he decided to use native plants and represent the importance of First Nations heritage in his design.
Belanger included his interpretation of Coast Salish design. He said he worked with the City of Nanaimo and Snuneymuxw First Nation on his own interpretation of a killer whale and moon/sun.
“I have the ultimate respect for the native culture,” said Belanger.
Chris Barfoot, culture and heritage coordinator for the City of Nanaimo said the design was Belanger’s interpretation of Coast Salish design, it wasn’t a recreation of it, and the design was shown to the Snuneymuxw First Nation to ensure it wasn’t offensive.
“We would love to see greater participation in the program from all artists, including First Nations artists,” said Barfoot.
Belanger researched the natural flora of the Vancouver Island. He chose to represent the arbutus tree, the lotus pinnatus, commonly known as bog birds-foot trefoil, an Island fern, Douglas fir and camassia leichtlinii, known as the blue camas flower. There is also a representation of the channel between Newcastle Island and Protection Island and of Stuart Channel.
Belanger, owner of Drifter Media, is a certified graphic designer. He’s worked professionally for more than 26 years. He is a member of Graphic Designers of Canada Vancouver Island chapter.
“My goal is to find small companies with a good product,” said Belanger, adding he aims at creating a good package to cover the good product.
Belanger also designs coins and packaging for the Royal Canadian Mint. He said the mint sends a theme for the designers to work with and he creates his designs based on that theme. He often tries to make his work tell a story.
For information please go to http://thedrifter.ca.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com
