Artist Jez is taking another crack at painting the outside of the historic Ukrainian Co-op in Regina.
Six years ago, Jez painted the building’s exterior with a pattern of small Ukrainian-designed eggs.
While the painting received positive attention, Jez felt unsatisfied with it over time.
“It didn’t really express my art as much as it expressed Ukraine in general. So I wanted to take another run at it basically.
“This time around, I’ve come at it with a bit more of an ‘an of one,’ creating more movement, especially with the Ukrainian bands in the middle. They’re supposed to represent both Ukrainian and First Nations culture.”
Jez said he’s also trying to blend native Saskatchewan flowers, like coneflowers and prairie cactuses, with Ukrainian flowers like wheat, sunflowers and poppies.
“It’s trying to be more of Saskatchewan while still retaining the Ukrainians who permeate the province.”
The process of creating or redesigning a new painting is a “labour of love,” he said.
“The more that you do it, the more you can learn, and it becomes easier, but it is still some skill, it’s about building those skills.”
Jez first started re-designing the wall two to three weeks ago, beginning with an experimental process.
“The beginning is always an experimental part of how I can still make them bold while also keeping some realism, trying to find this balance.”
As for when the painting will be finished, Jez said it will likely take longer than he originally expected.
“This isn’t a kind of project where you can date everything. I’m figuring it out as I go.”
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