Recently we had the pleasure of sitting down for a conversation with birdO, the Toronto-based artist behind the captivating two-story mural that backdrops the 10 DEAN café and bar in Waverley’s Lobby Lounge. birdO’s Waverley piece is titled "The Surreal Wolf”, which has not only received acclaim from our residents and 10 DEAN customers but has also resonated with birdO's dedicated fan base and the broader Toronto community. Throughout our conversation, we explored birdO’s sources of inspiration, his deep-rooted love for the College & Spadina area, and the formative experiences that shaped his artistic journey during his youth.
Q: What made you start creating murals?
I am competitive by nature, always driven to push my boundaries and explore new horizons in the world of art. When I first started seeing murals at art festivals around the globe, I was captivated by the scale and grandeur of these creations. I vividly remember thinking to myself, I don't know how I'm going to paint big murals like that, but I want to figure it out.
Q: What was your introduction into the art world?
In my past life I was very blessed to be an award-winning graphic designer. Prior to that I had spent several years painting graffiti. Through my formal training and lessons learned street level, I feel like I'm lucky to have a pretty good pulse on the important legacy artists and designers from our historical textbooks, while also appreciating modern practicing artists that disrupt and disturb.
Q: What was your inspiration behind the mural at Waverley?
I wanted my work to fit seamlessly as the art collection and design cues in Waverley are top tier. My primary source of inspiration revolved around maximizing the effective use of space. Given that each surface posed distinctive challenges, it became crucial for my 'Moon Wolf' to elegantly cascade over the coffee bar in a naturally flowing manner.
Q: What is your favourite feature of Waverley?
I maintain a strict commitment to sobriety and adhere to a disciplined approach to my dietary choices. However, my one indulgence is coffee, and I occasionally consume four or more cups in a day, even including nighttime. The presence of boutique coffee offerings in the lobby resonates with me significantly and stands out as a favourite feature of Waverley.
Q: What are some of your favourite artists from Toronto and internationally?
Among my favourite artists from Canada are Ness Lee from Toronto and David Altmejd from Montreal, while I also greatly admire Donald Glover from the United States. I find each of them to be exceptionally thought-provoking, original, and groundbreaking.
Q: What do you like about the College & Spadina neighbourhood?
During my time in Toronto, I've accumulated quite a collection of memorable experiences at The Comfort Zone. These days, I'm particularly fond of The Little Jerry, which is conveniently located just around the corner. It's worth noting that my paint supply store, Toronto Collective, is conveniently located right next door.