Artists' work displayed at the Azure on Colville
Esquimalt, B.C. – Artists Kay Gallivan and Jess Kosichek deliver a splash of colour to Lapis Homes’ construction site at 937 Colville with a custom piece of art. The piece, “True View”, showcases local wildlife in a surreal and unexpected way.
“Construction is a noisy, dirty business and neighbours have to put up with a lot while new homes are being built,” said Lapis Homes’ owner Ryan Jabs. “Kay and Jess are incredibly talented artists, and I figured this would be a cool little opportunity to give their work some profile and to add a little bit of interest for neighbours in the area and for people and kids walking by.”
Kay is a Victoria-based muralist who has painted a number of murals locally and internationally. Her work is known for its bright and whimsical approach, and for using local biodiversity and surreal elements. For this project she teamed up with local graphic designer Jess Kosichek, who brought her own eye for design.
“When making this piece I was thinking about the sense of wonder we feel when observing nature, and how that wonder deepens when we recognize we are part of nature”, says Kay.
Kay Gallivan and Jess Kosichek’s artwork can be seen at 937 Colville* Construction site fencing is typically either covered by an alphabet soup of marketing material about developers and contractors, or it’s left uncovered, cold and draining. Ryan came up with the idea to hire
an artist at the Greater Victoria Placemaking Network’s annual general meeting – after one of the network’s members mentioned how ugly the construction fencing is in the city.
Public art, like the work of Kay Gallivan, can help make a neighbourhood feel more welcoming and walkable. It can also connect neighbourhoods and create stronger and safer communities, which is something that Ryan works towards with the housing that Lapis Homes builds.
Local artists Kay and Jess both benefited from learning from each other’s artistic practices through this project. “It was such a great opportunity to develop something new and learn new skills”, says Kay. The public can appreciate their artwork in person by strolling by 937 Colville Rd., in Esquimalt near Esquimalt High. Prints of the artwork can be purchased by contacting the artist through her website
View her past work
The Azure on Colville, under construction at 937 Colville, is a six-home boutique townhouse (all two bedrooms) for people who are looking for a great and walkable neighbourhood close to downtown, parks and amenities.
These new homes will be ready in the late summer or fall of 2021. People can find out more about the project and register for updates here
Media Contact:
Ryan Jabs – Lapis Homes
250.413.7121
ryanjabs@lapishomes.com
www.lapishomes.com
Kay Gallivan – artist & muralist
250-413-7121
kaygallivan@gmail.com
www.kaygallivan.com
