Vancouver can be dark and rainy at times but you see a lot of optimism in the back yards. Back yards are where families plant gardens, sort recycling, and talk over fences. This particular scene is an idealized version based on the view just south of McGill and Kamloops Streets where you look west towards a misty city through the cranes.

Vancouver’s port cranes always represent physical labour to me. The other characteristic East Van touches are the shoes thrown over the telephone wires, a pole-sitting black crow, and a cheerfully dilapidated orange VW van propped on a yellow milk crate. The sunflowers are a pretty touch but also a symbol of green political ideology.

Vancouver alleys, whether they are urban gritty or backyard overgrown, are always beautiful in their roughshod untidiness. Our city has just as many fascinating back alleys as it does front facing streets. Probably more.

Acrylic on canvas, 11″ x 14″
Located at: Private Collection