Chan Chu the money toad represents a popular Feng Shui charm for prosperity. This mythical creature is said to appear during the full moon near houses or businesses that will soon receive good news. No wonder it was chosen to adorn the front of Sideshow Fabrication and Paint on 98 street in Edmonton’s Chinatown. Artist Jordoh of Graffiti Salad, known for many murals in the city painted this one in 2020. Jordoh has been spray painting murals for over ten years. Look for his other works downtown, on 124 street or the side of the Running Room store. I’m continually amazed at what an artist such as Jordoh can do with a can of spray paint.
Year of the Pig and Year of the Rat mural on the side of Lucky 97 Supermarket was done for Rust Magic 2019 by artist Rath, known as Heavy Lox. Lucky 97 is surrounded by many at-risk humans who need support. Heavy Lox acknowledges these folks and a need for love in their lives and all our lives. And some cool art doesn’t hurt. There’s murals on the back of the building, too.
Pigs are a symbol of wealth in Chinese culture. Those born in the Year of the Pig are usually considered to be realistic. Not wasteful spenders but they enjoy life and love entertainment. I was born in the Year of the Pig but I’m not saying which one. I will tell you that Pigs are diligent, compassionate and generous. Rat is the first sign of the Chinese zodiac and represents fertility, reproduction and wealth. Rats also have really good memories, another reason why I know I’m a Pig. 2021 is a Year of the Ox, good for Rat people because the zodiac Ox and the zodiac Rat have a good relationship. The fortunes of Rat people will be smooth this year.
Kris Friesen completed both murals located between buildings on 97 Street at 106 Avenue. The first is Ariose named for the harmony that the property owners were seeking to portray for their neighbourhood. The dragon is being calmed by a flute player and the nine koi fish symbolise prosperity. The lotus flowers stand for purity.
Along the River During the Qingming Festival is a contemporary interpretation of a cherished masterpiece created by Zhang Zeduan 900 years ago during the Song dynasty. The mural was unveiled during the 2018 Chinese New Year parade. Kris Friesen has done many murals in Edmonton with human interaction at their core.
