Genera - Helmcken Trestle Mural Description Painted on both sides of the Helmcken Road train trestle, this mural depicts magnified branches, cones, and bark of the Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar. The Town of View Royal funded a public art competition in 2022 and identified a mural for the trestle as the project. The Island Corridor Foundation approved the Town to proceed, and online public engagement endorsed “trees/forest” as the theme. Collin Elder was selected as the mural artist, and the mural was completed in 2023.
Artist statement
Elder chose to create two mirrored designs of Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar, on either side of the overpass, including magnified branches, cones, and bark, in a design that is both appealing and subtle in colour.
The mural combines Elder's unique experience in botany through ecological restoration, scientific illustration, and mural creation to beautify the area. It highlights two of the most important tree species in our eco-region, educating and bringing environmental awareness to the community and nearby school.
About the artist Born in Banff, Alberta, Collin Elder is an illustrator, designer, muralist, and painter. He began painting after leaving a career in ecological conservation, which, along with his degree in wildlife biology, has focused his artwork on the deep and often mysterious connections with the natural world.
He has created several large murals in Victoria, as well as on Salt Spring Island and for Calgary’s BUMP Mural Festival.
Visit Collin Elder's website
Details Medium
Exterior latex paint on concrete
Dimensions
Approximately 128 square meters
Copyright
Town of View Royal
Site
Helmcken Road, E & N Train trestle underpass, north of View Royal Elementary School
Artwork category
Civic Public Art
Date unveiled
September 2023
