Future's Blooming
Inspired by the innocence of children's drawings, this design incorporates symbolism to reflect the diverse communities that consider Surrey their home.
Artists: Puneet Datewas & Andrew Talbot
Category: Civic Collection – Street Banners
Year Installed: 2024
About the artwork
Inspired by the innocence of children's drawings, this design incorporates symbolism to reflect the diverse communities that consider Surrey their home. The initial concept originated from a common trope in children's art—an illustration of a flower sprouting from a heart. The hands depicted carry symbolic weight, representing the love and support extended within our culturally rich community. Through our collective encouragement, the depicted seeds evolve, blossom, and flourish into energetically joyful human forms.
Within the design, the flower serves as a powerful symbol, embodying the hope we hold for our children and the future. The overarching goal of this artwork is to bring brightness to the day of those who encounter it and underscore their shared responsibility in nurturing the future of their community.
Despite coming from different backgrounds and being continents apart, the two artists connect through the universal language of art. Both artists were guided to similar creative paths by their artistic mothers and supportive influences, who nurtured their love for art from an early age. This shared experience underscores the theme of creative nurturing of the inner child and community collaboration. By collaborating and nurturing our community, we cultivate beautiful flowers of unity.
About the artist
Puneet is a Vancouver-based painter and art educator. She spent her childhood in her mom’s art studio in Chandigarh, India, a city inspired by Swiss and French architecture. Puneet holds a BA in Geography from the University of Victoria and pursued her love for art at Canvas Method, a contemporary atelier. Trained in traditional oil painting and drawing techniques, she continually experiments with color and texture to evoke silence, spontaneity, and classical beauty.
Andrew Talbot, from Richmond, BC, grew up exploring the province with his family, always equipped with art supplies. His passion for art earned him top awards in high school and the Master of Tomorrow award from NSCAD in 2015. Initially focused on landscape painting, Andrew shifted to exploring various subjects and techniques, emphasizing the artistic process. He completed a Graphic Design diploma, offering design services alongside his artworks. Since 2018, Andrew has contributed to award-winning projects in property development and film. His artwork will be displayed along the 3 Road Skytrain Line in Richmond, BC, from February to July 2024.