Power Up: Lauren Verwolf

“It’s about the process, not the product.”

And the process for Lauren Verwolf’s Power Up mural was a thoughtful one.

“My inspiration for this piece started with the landscapes of Sudbury,” said the London-born and UWO-trained artist, who moved north with her spouse two and a half years ago.

“I knew I wanted to include the symbols of the lake, the wispy pine, and the canoe—the things that really sparked that connection to the land for me– but I also wanted them to be paired with a symbol people could relate with and empathize with, like the dog.”

The piece is more than an ode to her new home, though, it’s also a warning: There’s something in the water.

“My intention was to create a piece that was warm and inviting yet addressed a growing local, provincial, national, and global issue of microplastics in our water. We often don’t think about the garbage and plastic materials that end up in our lakes (and we have many in Sudbury). This not only impacts us but other living creatures like our pets, who are also negatively impacted over time by our unhealthy and uninformed disposal of plastics.”

The end-product will have that impact, but the process had an impact too.

“Being this year has brought about so many scenarios and days where being distanced from others is required, painting this piece was a special moment and memory where I got to connect with others who stopped to chat while I was painting. I could really feel a sense of community and like this piece would really brighten people’s day.”

One thing Lauren wants you to know about her piece (and the other Power Ups?): “Go check them out!”