Papergirl is all about the Art of Giving Art and when I became involved with this amazing project I didn’t expect anything in return, I just felt compelled to participate. Now looking back I can see the many rich and beautiful gifts that I have received through my involvement with Papergirl and I am filled with gratitude.
I first participated as an artist in 2012 and after finding out more about the project I joined the dedicated Papergirl team in 2013 and in 2014. This year I am not part of putting on the project but I am still proud to be a participating artist. Throughout my involvement with Papergirl I’ve been lucky enough to work on a number of different parts of the project so I’ve really struggled with picking one favourite moment!
I was a very new arrival to Canada when I first heard about Papergirl Vancouver and it has been lovely to see the project build and engage community. I’ve seen some amazing growth and connections be built and friendships made. These have been over a series of small beautiful moments and they are probably what I have loved the most.
I feel so proud of the ways Papergirl has been able to support artists. We have worked with and connected with a number of fantastic artists and I have loved seeing their growth! One special moment for me at our 2014 exhibition opening was when Sandeep Johal shared her appreciation that Papergirl had given her her first artist interview and asked her to do her first artists talk. To be able to offer an artist some of those firsts was really rewarding for me and something I love about the project.
At Papergirl we believe that everyone is an artist and encouraging people to discover their creativity through our block printing What Moves You? workshops in 2013 and our Lumen Printing workshops in 2014 was amazing for me! Being surrounded by the buzz of excitement and the creative flow is something I will never get tired of and seeing those smiling faces of the participants is just the best.
It has been so great to see the project grow and change over the years and I am so proud of all the amazing Papergirls and Paperboys who have spread the Papergirl movement in our community in the last five years. I can’t wait to see what is to come in the next five years!