Business Improvement Area

Artist Statement

Duane Kumala-Thomas

As a young aged artist born and raised Woodstock, I spent a large percentage of time growing up in Ingersoll. Encouraged through local classes, contests and competitions, I’ve been an aspiring artist my whole life. Illustration eventually gave way to a passion for music; over the years photography and graphic design took hold and made me into the artist I am today. Currently owning and operating Highlander Studios in Woodstock I’m focused on the production, promotion, and preservation of all matters art related within Oxford County.

Work Concept

While being approached to create a piece commemorating black history in Ingersoll I did a deep dive into Oxford County’s black history. I came to the understanding that the “Once Upon a Time” narratives of the Black American experience are much like a sideview mirror; events being closer than they appear.  Buildings, towns, cities; places I’d frequented my whole life suddenly came to life as the stuff movies were made of. The rich tapestry of history that is Ingersoll, is Oxford, is South-Western Ontario, is Upper Canada, stretches through the soil and deep into the roots. Furthermore, it became apparent that when historical events happened, they effected the plight of everyone in town, not only those involved. With that in mind, it became difficult to separate black history from history and thats when the concept for the sculpture took shape.

Using the familiar theme of the underground railroad as a focal point, the sculpture aims to represent Ingersoll’s involvement in accepting, aiding and growing amongst a new and increasing black population in the 1800’s and beyond. The visual of train tracks breaking through the soil and springing up into the Ingersoll air will present viewers with the emphatic feeling of a journey travelled in discretion and concluded where/when in this place, travellers came up for air, settled and planted new roots. As history would have it, Ingersoll had a part to play in forming the landscape throughout the years. Consequential dates fixed to the railroad ties commemorate Ingersoll history and folklore, the top most railroad tie reading “NOW”, signifying that we are always making history; creating tomorrow’s heritage today.

ITOPA Mural - Ingersoll Theatre for Performing Arts (ITOPA)

88 Thames St., S, Ingersoll, ON

Artist Biography

Benji Nova (Benjamin Tran)

Benji Nova (Benjamin Tran) is a multidisciplinary artist and mindfulness teacher from London, Ontario. He approaches his art with a focus on process, and incorporates mindfulness into his creation process.

In addition to his M.Sc in Health & Rehabilitation Sciences from Western University, he is also a certified facilitator of the Mindfulness Ambassador Program.

He works with a range of mediums, including woodburning, paint, inks, and digital tools, to create emotive and expressive pieces.

Benji aims to promote mindfulness and open-awareness through his art.

Artist Statement

I painted a large mural on the ITOPA (Ingersoll Theatre of Performing Arts) building using spray-paint as my primary medium. My goal was to create a bright, colorful, and playful scene that celebrates the performing arts and includes a variety of characters and references to theatre. Inspired by stained-glass art, I incorporated a stained-glass effect and contrasting colors to capture the impressive changing of scenes in a play. I wanted to create a whimsical and attractive landscape that could be seen from a distance, as well as attract people to the theatre.

To see more of my work, you may visit:

Website: http://benjinova.com
Instagram: http://instagram.com/benji.nova
Facebook: http://facebook.com/benjinovaart

More links: http://linktr.ee/benji.nova

Thank you kindly,

Ben

Indigenous Crosswalk Installed in Downtown Ingersoll - King Street, E., Ingersoll, ON 

With support from Government of Canada’s Tourism Relief Fund through @FedDevOntario and @SWOTC, we’re working hard to help build back a stronger tourism sector in Downtown Ingersoll.

Ingersoll Indigenous Crosswalk Description by Patricia Marshall

This design incorporates seven (7) stripes to represent the seven generational teachings we see in many Indigenous cultures.  

The red comes first to symbolize Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit peoples. 

This colour is represented first since MMIWG2S+ people were one of the first major issues Indigenous people faced on Turtle Island when colonial peoples landed on these shores. We put them first to make a statement that they are not forgotten and to show the spirits our tribute to them.  

The Blue represents the need for clean water in Indigenous communities and to bring awareness to how Indigenous Canadians are disproportionately affected by a lack of basic needs being met. A lack of clean water is an issue that goes largely unnoticed; however, it has been affecting communities like Nesktantga First Nations for over a quarter of a century and closer communities like Onieda First Nations also deal with a lack of clean water. There are many other needs such as lack of housing and adequate food resources that affect Indigenous Canadians daily, both on reserve and even in our major metropolises. 

The orange stripes are tribute to the children and families affected by the horrific legacy left in the wake of residential schools. A legacy that includes 100 years of legalized oppression, abuse and misuse of powers. Over the last few years, thousands of children have been unearthed who were buried in both marked and unmarked graves. Thousands of families grieving losses that were continuously denied by both religious and political institutions until now. The unearthing’s did spark our nation into action.  

The orange and blue stripes are alternating in the centre to represent the interconnectedness of the issues that plague Indigenous people.  

The red stripe closes the design to bring to the attention that MMIWG2S+ is an issue that is still affecting Indigenous families to this day.  

The symbols floating within the coloured stripes give a tangible example of the issue they represent. 

A dress in the red for MMIWG2S+

A handprint in the orange for Every Child Matters 

A water drop, in the blue for Clean water in Indigenous Communities  

The design of this crosswalk was carefully thought out and planned to bring awareness, show solidarity and represent hope. This crosswalk represents the resilience, dedication and creativity of First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples.  

The design and original concept of this project was done by local Métis mother Patricia Marshal, founder and co-organizer of IISAN (Ingersoll’s Indigenous Solidarity and Awareness Network) 

Final digital artwork is done by Deb Campbell of ICAC (Ingersoll Creative Art Centre)  

The BIA worked closely with Patricia Marshall, Founder and Co-organizer of IISAN (Ingersoll’s Indigenous Solidarity and Awareness Network) and local artist, Deb Campbell, Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre, to complete the Indigenous Crosswalk in Downtown Ingersoll. 

BIA Coordinator, Virginia Armstrong