Inspired by the great outdoors, illustrator Phil put paint to action in a collaboration with Bell Box Murals Project, a Community Matters initiative. Tasked with brightening up the corner of Tyrell Ave. and Turner Rd., Phil, in hopes of bringing a more natural element to the city, decided that a large graphic moose would do the trick. The textured layers of paint and distressed finish are signature to Phil’s style, making it feel like ‘Maddy Moose’ has always been part of the neighbourhood. Phil shares more on how ‘Maddy Moose’ got her name:

“A neighbour woman and toddler came by, sat down, and watched me paint. The mother and child were having a back and forth conversation about me, the moose and discussing what they’d name the moose. They wanted to call it ‘Maddy’ after the neighbour’s nine month old daughter Madeline! Hence Maddy Moose was born! A quiet tribute to the new kid on the street. I thought the alliteration worked well and suitable for any moose.”

“I had a beautiful few days of painting in an amazingly friendly neighbourhood. I bicycled to my destination every day, it was summer, the weather was perfect, and I had the odd break while conversing with passersby. It was amazing to be alone under the sun and trees while quietly painting. I had many people stop by and say that they were pleased to see a happy bit of colour and a nice surprise to the street. Walkers passing by offered compliments, and drivers simply slowed, looked, and gave me a grinning thumbs up.”

View more of Phil’s illustration. Represented by i2i Art Inc.