This colourful redesign of the Post trucks is all thanks to Andrew Lewis<\/a><\/strong>, a creative director and graphic artist based in Ontario. He had worked with Canada Post before\u2014sketching rad new stamps for us to lick and stick on parcels (I mean, who doesn\u2019t?)<\/em> But as COVID-19 began to set in, thousands <\/em>were forced to stay at home (and not<\/em> lick stuff). All except for front liners, which included doctors, nurses, and Canada Post workers, to name a few. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So Lewis had a crazy idea: Why not thank postal workers for their bravery? And why not do it with my art? <\/em>Lewis got started on a design quickly, originally meant for a coin-sized stamp. So how did the trippy rainbow end up on 40 four-wheeler Canada Post trucks<\/strong>? <\/p>\n\n\n\n In an interview with CBC, Lewis recalls what happened: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI said, \u2018Hey, wouldn\u2019t it be funny if you took the design idea here and put it on a truck? I showed them a mock-up of a [psychedelic truck] as a joke, as something fun, and they sat there and said, \u2018Yeah, let\u2019s do it.\u2019\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n As you can see, \u201cThanks Merci\u201d <\/strong>is painted in bright colours on both sides of the trucks. Set upon a dazzling backdrop of vibrant reds and cosy yellows. Thanks<\/em> and Merci<\/em> are expressions of gratitude \u2014 in English and French, respectively, to represent the two main languages of Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They started out with 6 vehicles last autumn, as a sort-of joke. But soon enough, these Canada Post trucks became a beacon of hope<\/strong>. Like the rest of the world (or wherever you\u2019re reading this)<\/em>, it\u2019s also been gloomy for Ontario. Especially <\/em>for those who\u2019ve lost their jobs since lockdowns first began. As Lewis explains:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI made this fun, kind of psychedelic image because I wanted something really positive and happy, and this is a weird, gloomy and kind of oppressive time.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lewis also says that public art \u2014 even the fun, light-hearted ones like the Canada Post Trucks \u2014 should give a useful message<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cArtwork that\u2019s circulating in public should have some sort of responsibility. It had better be thought-provoking, and not just more visual noise.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n During one of his walks, Lewis noticed colourful symbols of hope in people\u2019s homes. He was inspired right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA lot of people had rainbows in their windows and hearts and things like that last spring and summer.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n So is it just a coincidence that this van has pulled up just as psychedelics are gaining acceptance in Canada? In January, more Canadians were granted psilocybin<\/strong> (found in shrooms and magic truffles)<\/em> for end-of-life care<\/a><\/strong>. Canadian investors are also pouring millions of dollars <\/em>into Jamaica to research magic mushrooms<\/a><\/strong>. <\/a>Seems like Canada is really opening its arms to embrace shrooms. And it’s about time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The trucks\u2019 groovy designs are proof of our <\/strong>desire to stay warm and positive. Yes, even in the midst of a deadly pandemic. Sure, you may not be free to hug your loved ones yet<\/em>, but a cheerful smile via Zoom can go a looong way for an old friend. Plus, you can stay centred in lockdown<\/a><\/strong> if you know which treasures to stock up on… Like magic mushrooms and truffles! <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"psychedelic](\"https:\/\/www.wholecelium.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/psychedelic-canadian-post-truck.jpeg\")
Thanks Merci <\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.wholecelium.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/psychedelic-post-truck-against-building.jpeg\")
Symbols of Hope<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"psychedelic](\"https:\/\/www.wholecelium.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/psychedelic-post-truck.jpeg\")
Brighter Days Ahead <\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n