Modern Hospital

Building 614

8 x 10

On Saturday i spent the morning with the Post Hospital near the Vancouver Barracks. Built in 1904 as a modern hospital that included drains and pipes for blood to flow, and large windows to allow light in for surgeries and fresh air for patients. Around 1930 the open decks were enclosed that creates a sun room effect on all four sides. The building has been vacant since the 1990's, but there has been much talked about turning it into an art space that would include studios, office spaces, galleries, and possibly even a museum.

The thought of having such a place here in Vancouver is exciting to me. Any way we can push the envelope, expand the arts and create awareness to the public is a great thing and needs to be pursued. There are a great number of talented artists in the Pacific NW that could use a space just like this, and encouragement for our youth must be woven in as well. i see this as another step towards doing just that.

In a society where budget cuts hit the arts hard, the rejuvenation of this great structure would lend itself well to pushing against the tide and get the Post Hospital back to doing what it was intended to do - help people. Maybe not in the purest sense, but definitely it would be a place of growth, re-birth, and inspiration - and i cannot think of a better structure to house such an endeavor.

Since my goal in painting these historical structures is all about creating awareness of the depth and texture of our city, the Post Hospital is a must in this passionate series of paintings.