Local artist Randy Thomas says he wants to make a positive change in Thunder Bay.
The 23-year-old learned the ins and outs about painting from his father, Roy. He spent hours watching his dad paint, which he said looked easy to do. But once he took a brush in his hand and started painting himself he found out just how difficult it was.
Thomas’ father passed away in 2007.
Since then, he said he’s grown to appreciate his father’s work in a new way and wanted to make a positive influence on his hometown just like him.
“I paint to inspire people, to motivate people and help people,” Thomas said.
“Everybody has a story and everybody is going through something. I just want to help people through my artwork.
“I just want to do something positive. I want to show everybody that there is something good to do and everyone is capable of something incredible people like this.”
Thomas entered into the city’s public art program to get more of his work noticed. A panel of judges chose his work to be a part of the Celebration Circle. He said he was incredibly happy to see the finished product for the first time Monday morning.
Nine steel panels with Thomas’s art cut into them now line the outside of the Celebration Circle at Prince Arthur’s Landing.
He said he wanted to represent Northwestern Ontario in his art and wanted to make sure that he also represented his Aboriginal roots.
“I never thought I’d be able to do something like this but I did it,” he said. “I wanted to show the ways of the Nishnawbe people. Not really show off but practice what my dad and other artists have been doing for many years. I just want to carry on my tradition.”
Thomas added that one panel will feature a piece of art that his dad created.
Reana Mussato, the city’s public art co-ordinator, said with the final few art projects wrapping up public opinion has been generally positive. The project was budgeted at $25,000.
“I think with artwork you’re always going to get some people liking it and other who don’t,” Mussato said.
“I think a lot of appreciation comes when they learn a little bit more about the artwork. Generally, feedback has been wonderful. People love to see artwork included and it makes the waterfront unique.”
