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95 & 99 Ravenhill Road
Location Map
Sustainable Living: Hydraulic Wind Turbines, Solar Power and Roof Gardens.
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Location: walkway between 2 private homes; East and West Face
Occupant: walkway between 2 private homes
District: East Kildonan
Neighbourhood: Valley Gardens
Artist(s): Sarah Collard (Collard Creations), Manny Wiebe
Year: 2014
Sponsors: Take Pride Winnipeg!
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"These fence Murals are located in a residential area of East Kildonan, providing
a foot path for residents walking to a nearby school or community pool. The
owners of these two properties about graffiti tagging at night when teenagers
clandestinely leave their mark. Our guess was correct; that there are several
creative teenagers living in the area who would appreciate a visual masterpiece
to inspire their neighbourhood (see the 'before' view, photo 6). I had recently written Mural proposals for several
City of Toronto walls on the topic of sustainability and had applied to an urban
planning artist in residence with the City of Winnipeg but was turned down. What
it did, however, was to focus my thinking towards a topic of sustainability and the
goal was to paint the vision and make it fly."
"One of the awesome things about Winnipeg is the 500 plus Murals which adorn
the streets, buildings and structural edifices. It is unlike any other city. The city
is dedicated to supporting creativity and imagination, providing a grand canvas
for artists, employing them, providing sustenance and economic growth.
Manitoba is known in Canada for its strong painting tradition and I believe this is
due to the extreme support given from community stakeholders and benefactors.
Winnipeg is one of the wealthiest cities in Canada with the most millionaires per
capita. Our residents are generous, committed to community and the growth of
individuals, organizations and cause. When climate change is considered, it is
imperative that the urban plan be communicated consistently and effectively in
order for it to be identified in the hearts of all people. It is my desire to be a part
of the solution, integrating the interests and desires of others into a city plan
which serves, protects and strengthens. It is my belief that great art exists not
only in galleries where we can appreciate a Mark Rothko or Michelangelo, but it
exists in our urban streets, where we can enjoy a Charlie Johnson or Diego
Rivera."
"A huge hydraulic windmill sits on many prairie farms, extending its arms like a
flower, hovering over the fields as a reminder of renewable goals. The slender
arms of a windmill form the basis of this elongated design. It is shown initially
close up, then meandering into the background, like a pathway. Outlines of the
windmill divide the space into sub-sections, creating three smaller areas.
Renewable energy is generated by planting trees, parks and gardens. The
constant motion of the hydraulic windmill suggests interconnectivity. We are
constantly dependant on our environment yet it relies on us for continual growth
as we rely on each other. Our actions, movement and cycles are repeated and
interwoven. It is a constant flow, winding us into a healthy, growing, sustainable
future."
"There are two fence Murals which face each other. A common theme is the wind
turbines which are found in both designs. The only difference is the imagery which is
painted in the three divided areas."
Mural 1: Natural Resources (photos 2 & 5)
"The three resources which are native to the Praries are wind, rock and water. The
hydraulic windmill moves them all in a cycle, related yet interdependent. The wind is
represented in the prairie sky with windmills scattered throughout the fields. Water is in
the bottom portion and rock is to the right."
Mural 2: Implementation (photos 3 & 4)
"How are these natural resources used to create sustainable living? How are residents
taking responsibility for their own environmental footprint? Manitoba has made several
strides in considering environmental factors. Farmers and residents are using natural
methods for irrigation, pest control and organic gardening. Wheat farmers are dedicated
to producing high quality crops with favourable yields. Rivers, lakes and streams are
lined with natural rock in an effort to decrease erosion caused by flooding."
"A green roof and solar panels are also ventures which some have taken on. They are
depicted at the end of this Mural, to the right. Assiniboine Park has built a new
architectural building near the duck pond which has a green roof. It is covered with
grass and is naturally watered by the rain. The Mural depicts a small house or cottage
with a flower or herb garden planted on top of its roof. Three solar panels scatter the
horizon."
"One of the best parts about this wall was being able to work with my son,
Emanuel (Manny) Wiebe (Photo 7). The camaraderie was nice. It was also great to get a
sense of fulfillment in passing art making onto the next generation. Manny is a
very talented artist, taking art throughout high school. He is currently in grade 10
and his sketchbook assignments show much detail and excellence. For three
summers, he has helped me paint an exterior Mural and I have enjoyed seeing
his ability increase. This year was the first year he held his own, doing much of
the work, signing his name upon completion."
"This project on sustainability is very different from anything I have ever done
before. Both sides have a windmill dividing up sections of the canvas. The
simplest one divides Manitoba's natural rock, water and wind energy. The design
on the opposite side shows growing fresh fruits and vegetables, wheat as our
main export, a river's edge, solar energy and a green roof. How is that for urban
planning? They represent efforts which the city has undertaken or would like to
install in the hearts and minds of residents: a greener future for everyone!"
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