We have many incredible people behind the scenes at Inspire working VERY HARD!
I’d like to introduce you to one of them: Pink Panda Creative, is a local artist and creator-extraordinaire!
When and how did you discover that you had a passion for art?
There are two answers to that question because I have a discovery and rediscovery in my history
with art. I remember always loving art, ever since I was a kid growing up. I first discovered my
passion for art through the “How-to Draw” books and “Arts & Crafts” that my parents gave me. They
encouraged my love for drawing constantly after they saw me drawing Garfield over and over again.
My love for drawing, painting, and art continued to grow well into my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at
the University of Manitoba. I eventually switched my focus to graphic design and lost touch with my
passion for traditional art a bit. I enjoyed over a decade as a graphic designer and had many great
opportunities in that field working for firms and agencies before transitioning to a freelancer.
It was after this transition that I had the time to pick up my school paints and a blank canvas and
start painting again. I missed it so much and after realizing that piece – my passion was
rediscovered and I have not stopped since. I still love to design and work with typography.
But my first passion will always be drawing and painting.
What does it mean to you?
It means a whole lot to find my passion because for the longest time I felt there was something
missing inside of me and I had no idea what it was. My art represents the emotional journey that I
experience when I move with the present moment. I express these emotions through the use of
complex continuous lines, vibrant colours and characters influenced by my love for cartoons and
electronic music.
How do you use it to benefit your well-being and mental health?
Painting and drawing has been a huge impact on my mental health. I suffer from depression and anxiety and I was in denial for the longest time. I started working out at the gym and running which definitely helped me out, but painting and working on my art also helps with my well-being. I constantly remind myself to be in the moment.
My style consists mainly of continuous lines. It’s a meditative process when I work through my
drawings/paintings. Every time I work on a piece I go through bumps in the road with things
sometimes not turning out how I want them to be. But I push forward till I complete it. And usually,
even though it’s not my initial goal, I end up loving each piece for what it is. In this way, it’s similar to
how I try and deal with my emotions now. I go through difficult times, push through trying to stay
positive and in the end I remember to love myself.
How have you used your talent to support community through Inspire?
With Inspire, I have donated my time to design various printed media as well as social media ads and
promotions for various events. I’ve also assisted in designing their in-house materials. Giving back and sharing my skill set always gives me a wonderful feeling that I’m helping out the community in some way.
On February 7th 2018, I will be helping out with an event called With Love where 100% of the proceeds will support Inspire Community Outreach. I’m also excited to live paint during the event where the canvas is being donated for the silent auction.
I encourage everyone to explore their creative side. I hope that when the public views my art whether it be on canvas or outside on the street/sidewalks, they have fun following my lines and vibrant colours. As well as have a chance to explore their own emotions as they journey through my art.
email:
instagram: @pinkpandawpg
facebook: @pinkpandacreative
website: pinkpanda.ca
Thank you Pink Panda Creative for all you do. Your talent, support and energy continues to support us to support our community, and we are SO grateful!
