How do you make the best out of a bad situation? Bedazzle it.
Bowen League of Artists is commissioning locals to bedazzle the now ubiquitous “keep out” signs across Bowen Island.
“We need to make sure we stay away from one another, but it needn’t be ugly,” says local artist Ann Hepburn.
While hunched over a laminated sign affixing tiny plastic jewels to red lettering, Hepburn’s husband, Joe Bradley, nodded his agreement. “We thought about painting the signs but jewels really make the message pop.”
The two artists haven’t been closer than two metres to anyone other than each other in more than a month ––their spaniel Mr. Radovich is their only other company.
“We go for walks, cruise around on the scooter and that’s it,” says Hepburn. So the commission has been a nice change of pace.
While the couple has been asked to create 50 standard sheet signs––each taking about four hours to make––several other artists have too heeded the call.
Dick Avery and Jo Stockton are working on bedazzling the police tape that surrounds the BICS playground.
“The colour scheme is yellow and dark brown but every tenth jewel I’m throwing in a green, just for fun,” says Stockton.
“The kids love it,” says Avery. “I’m just worried they’ll want to touch it more as the texture is quite alluring.”
While some islanders were worried about creating more plastic to pollute the ocean, Bradley popped one in his mouth to assure the Undercurrent that the jewels are seaweed-based and quite harmless.
“They’ll disintegrate when the virus is done,” he smiled.
Of course this isn’t true. Happy April Fools! HOWEVER, island artists are struggling as shows and events are cancelled and gallery closed. Find out how you can support them here. Physical distancing itself is no joke, please read up on and follow the instructions of health authorities.
