In the Paint: positive growth

Spring 2023

In the Paint: positive growth, MCDONALD PARK

KAMLOOPS, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Lead Designer Mallory Tolcher x Kamloops Art Gallery, City of Kamloops & After School Program

Immersed in the transformative power of art, In the Paint: positive growth emerges as a community court design nestled in the vibrant landscape of Kamloops, British Columbia. This artistic endeavor is a result of an enriching artist residency program, graciously hosted by the esteemed Kamloops Art Gallery. Guiding the project with visionary expertise, visual artist Mallory Tolcher and assistant curator Craig Willms joined forces, collaborating with the School District No. 73’s After-School Program—an invaluable support system for higher-risk and vulnerable students. Together, the students worked to inspire and paint a court design that would encapsulate the essence of growth and positivity.

Over a span of four weeks, Tolcher meticulously curated engaging activities and prompts, urging the youth to explore profound concepts such as personal betterment, collective empowerment, and community cohesion through the medium of sports and movement. Encouraged to brainstorm collectively and individually, the young participants passionately poured their ideas and designs onto paper, fuelling the creative vision. Drawing inspiration from their remarkable contributions, Mallory was able to create a design that was influenced by the youth’s colour choices, organic shapes, and nature-inspired subject matter. For another four immersive weeks, the court was transformed brushstroke by brushstroke by the after-school program and a team from the Kamloops Art Gallery.

Court Process Images

Artist Statement for the Court’s Design

A plethora of captivating designs emerged from the city's after-school program, with a prevailing theme of nature's splendor—blooming flowers, delicate butterflies, intriguing insects, captivating sunsets, celestial night skies, enchanting mushrooms, majestic trees, and organic, flowing shapes. Drawn to these artworks, I embarked on a journey to delve into the profound parallels between the captivating beauty of basketball and the awe-inspiring wonders of nature. Through this entwining connection, my aim is to evoke the theme of growth, where hues reminiscent of a vibrant red sunset and tranquil lake blue live opposite each other on the court, accompanied by flourishing flowers adorning its edges and butterflies moving across to connect the opposing sides.

Basketball, like nature, is a symphony of movement and harmony. The court becomes a canvas, where players transform into graceful performers, their bodies flowing in elegant synchrony with the rhythm of the game. The fluidity of a player's dribble echoes the meandering flow of a river, while the swish of the net resonates with the whispering breeze rustling through leaves. The raw power and precision of a slam dunk mirror the thunderous force of a waterfall crashing into a serene pool below.

In nature, we witness the remarkable cycles of growth, adaptation, and transformation. Similarly, basketball instills in young players a sense of purpose, discipline, and resilience. The sport becomes a catalyst for positive development, teaching valuable life lessons both on and off the court. Just as a seedling sprouts and stretches towards the sun, young athletes discover their potential and strive to reach new heights, overcoming obstacles and honing their skills through dedication and practice.

Sport, particularly basketball, possesses a unique ability to foster camaraderie and cooperation. The court becomes a microcosm of society, where individuals from diverse backgrounds unite, transcending differences to pursue a common goal. Through teamwork, players learn the value of collaboration, empathy, and mutual support. They understand that their individual contributions, like the varied elements of nature, are essential in creating a harmonious whole.

In today's rapidly changing world, the positive growth of youth and others is of paramount importance. By harnessing the innate beauty of basketball and its connections to nature, my design seeks to inspire and promote the transformative power of sports. Through visual representations, I aim to capture the vibrant energy, grace, and resilience inherent in both the game and the natural world. By showcasing these connections, I hope to encourage dialogue, introspection, and a deeper appreciation for the potential of sports to shape a brighter future.

In essence, my artistic journey explores the interplay between basketball and nature, revealing their shared beauty and inherent lessons. By recognizing the parallels, we can recognize the profound impact that sport can have on youth, fostering positive growth, resilience, and unity. Together, let us celebrate the remarkable interconnectedness of the athletic and natural realms, nurturing a world where the beauty of basketball and the wonders of nature inspire generations to come.

Selected Images that Inspired the Court’s Design

Media

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