Folks, you may not believe me when I tell you this, but Cobourg has a street artist!
One day last week I noticed something graphic and colourful out of the corner of my eye as I was driving. It was a graffiti board hung between two poles. “That’s cool!” I exclaimed as I pointed it out to my daughter. I registered that the graffiti was new, but I didn’t have time to make out the details.
Two days ago I noticed a new board in a different location and I got excited. Can it be that there is an artist going around Cobourg stealthily putting up graffiti installations? Our very own Banksy?
I had a good look at this new piece as I drove by and realized it wasn’t a board at all, but plastic wrap pulled tightly back and forth around two poles to create a sheet in the middle, which was then spray painted with the words “one love.”
Be still my heart, a stealth graffiti artist who resists defacing property and uses a unique material. Love at first sight.
Yesterday I drove by the same location, excited to see the art again - but it was gone. I was beside myself with delight. The artist installed the sign for only 24 hours then took it back down?? Magical! Or someone else took it down. Could be that, but it could also be a super time-sensitive pop-up installation. Blink and you’ll miss it.
I am so thrilled at the possibility that Cobourg has our very own rotating, surprise art installation in progress. I am thrilled at the medium and thrilled at the message. Cobourg is a sleepy little retirement community, known for its beach and waterfront festival. There is a lot of beauty but not a lot of innovation or counter culture happening here. The cutting edge here is more of a butter knife.
This anonymous graffiti artist has breathed new life into my idea of what Cobourg might be, and what I can expect when I make my way through town. The status quo has been shaken, which is just was this beautiful little place needs.
I can’t help but notice that it’s just what I needed too.
Upcoming Shows
Plainville United will be playing in full band form at my beloved Cultivate Festival the weekend of Sept 25-27. Though we now boast about two feet less hair than in this photo, we’ll be bringing the harmony-rich good vibes as always. And as if Cultivate could get any better, the Festival is Pay What You Can this year. Register for tickets here.
Featured Podcast - Make Like a Mother
My summers have always been very kid-centric, and that remains true this year. As a result, my summers are usually an art and music-making drought, as I send most of my time and energy outward towards my people and very little time in my own feels.
I was inspired to create the Make Like a Mother podcast because my own artistic career is inextricable from my motherhood, and I wanted to know what that experience was like for other artists.
If you haven’t listened yet you should check out all eight episodes of the first season. And if you know someone I should have on the podcast, let me know!
xo
Shannon