2023 Street Banners
Artist: Sebastian Abboud
Commissioned for the theme ‘Gratitude’, this banner is a bold graphic representation of gratitude for love and growth. The design, by Sebastian Abboud was commissioned through the Urban Design Roster program. In the design on the left is a rendering of stylized hands symbolically depicting love for community, one another, and an appreciation for life. Below the hands is an equal sign, representing balance and equality. In the design on the right a stylized flower below a rain cloud represents growth and resiliency. A smile within both heart shapes reinforces the intended positive tone of the piece, as well as optimism the artist felt we all need at this moment in time.
“This design started with a small pencil sketch of the heart/flower and grew from there. I was inspired by community, my family, and Nanaimo, and set out to create a bold, iconic and clear, playful graphic representation of gratitude for love and growth. It’s about being grateful for all that we have in both sunshine and rain. It was important to me that the piece feel optimistic and representative of change, so a gradient blend background was a suitable choice to communicate that idea” says Abboud.
Sebastian Abboud is a Nanaimo, BC based freelance designer and illustrator, artist, and an educator in the Graphic Design department at VIU. Sebastian specializes in hand-drawn doodle style illustrations and geometric vector icon-based work. His work has been described as whimsical, lighthearted, playful and loose. Originally from Calgary via Vancouver, Sebastian has a BFA in New Media from the University of Lethbridge and an MA in Graphic Design from the University of Hertfordshire. He works from his home studio in South Nanaimo that he shares with his wife Maxine and their twin boys.
2022 Street Banners
Artist: Roz MacLean
In 2022, visual artist Roz MacLean was commissioned to create a banner reflecting the theme 'Growing and Thriving in Nanaimo' .
“This banner design considers the plant life of this region. With this year’s theme inspired by a garden, I wanted to think about systems of growth and life that consider wellness, from root to flower and earth to sky. I enjoyed learning the names and characteristics of the plants you can see in the design, such as Kinnikinnick, Fireweed, Blue Camas, White Avalanche Lily and Iris Tenax. Roots nourish plants, and everything below the soil is just as vital to flourish as what appears above. This is true for plants and for human beings!” says MacLean.
2021 Street Banners
Artist: Becky Thiessen
In 2021, the chosen banner design reflected the thematic call call was Nanaimo 2121: One Hundred Years Forward.
“When I think 100 years forward, I can’t help but think 100 years back. Industry and increased settlement have made a significant impact on the natural environment in this region. People have lived in this area for thousands of years, in balance with the ecology. My banner imagery represents this idea. When I imagine Nanaimo in 100 years, I hope that the reverence for the cedar tree remains and I hope the estuary can still claim to be one of the greatest natural resources in the region.”
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