Flicker

Details

Year	2022
Artist(s)	Bruno Canadien – Black Diamond, AB
Type	Mural
Medium	Acrylic on Drywall
Site Location	Intermediate Building 300 Level - 5205 48 Ave

Description

Neerseni, or Northern Flicker, is a distinctive bird of the open woods and river valleys of North America. Central Alberta is the northern limit of its’ winter range, so the flicker can be found in Red Deer year-round. It’s early spring calls resonate throughout the valleys, activating the leafless stands of poplar and promising renewal and warmth. In flight it flashes bright red, orange, or yellow underwings or tailfeathers, but otherwise is often inconspicuous in the colours of the winter woods. Here, this perched individual sits high on a branch, contrasting with the bright colours of early summer manifested in a pair of wild rose designs.

The roses are based on my grandmother Madeline’s beaded moccasin designs adapted for this painting to represent walks through Neetseni’s landscapes. Bright colours, brush marks, drips and layers contribute to this piece’s vibrancy. It’s my hope this mural will lift peoples spirts and inspire the building residents to listen for the wild calls of the flicker in late March, or to think of walks after work in the warmth of a summer evening.