Collin Elder
Tofino, Canada
Collin Elder was born in Banff, AB and is currently based in Victoria, BC. Collin began oil painting while pursuing a career in ecological restoration, which, along with a degree in biology, has focused his art on how we relate to landscape and wilderness.
Mural Statement
“Large public murals provide opportunities to put nature back on a large cultural pedestal. Creating art and subject matter this large provides the chance to see nature as idolized, again. I hope public art like this can provide moments to inspire a new dialogue with nature. It’s a loud reminder that nature has not become silent but that we’ve diminished our ability to properly observe it. Magnolias are the inspiration for this mural. Their past provides a hope for this change. Their history is ancient. They are believed to be the flower responsible for encouraging the symbiotic relationship between flowers and pollinators that helps sustain life today. The simplicity of the design creates a space to be free of perfectionism and overthinking. This design also allows us to find joy and beauty in a mostly industrial space.”