This postcard project is an initiative created to showcase the artists and aspects of Nanaimo, BC that elevate us. We’re tired of denying it, Nanaimo is awesome! We’re full of amazing parks, beautiful scenery and folks who make it a great place to live. To help get our point across, we asked a few of the local artists that consign with us in The General to send us a piece of art to make into a post card.
Sebastian Abboud / @sebastianabboud
Sebastian is an illustrator and designer based in Nanaimo. He is a co-founder of Diver, a creative studio that specializes in visual identity, digital design, and illustration. He’s been lucky enough to work with brands, products, and people from all over the globe, including Google, Adobe, Canada Skateboard, and Snapchat. Over the past 15 years his work has been featured on everything from tote bags to large scale murals, from restaurant walls to apparel.
The artwork for his postcard was initially created as an early exploration for a painting for 'In the Forest' — a group show co-curated with Mauro Dalla Costa in 2023. 'In the Forest' asked artists from Vancouver Island to explore the attraction of our forests and discover the hidden stories, creatures, and mysteries that reside within.
explorer’s pack
A memory of the boat ride from a little adventure on Protection Island.
The view from Maffeo Park in the twilight.
Artsami / @artsami.w
Asami Watanabe is a Japanese illustrator based in Nanaimo, where she creates whimsical digital illustrations. She gets inspiration from nostalgic items such as vintage glassware, old picture books, and film photography. Her work is colourful, vibrant, and has a dream-like quality.
This postcard depicts a sailing trip amongst the islands underneath a bright, warm sky. Sara grew up sailing with her Dutch grandparents and many memories of her youth spent visiting them on the island are tinged with the vibrancy of summer and the subtle taste of salt.
This postcard is based off of the memory of taking the ferry back to Nanaimo after a day trip to Gabriola island in the summer. At night, just after the sun has moved out of sight, the sky becomes this beautiful, vibrant blue and the lights of the city shimmer on the surface of the water. Mt. Benson stands tall and proud in the background.
Wisterium / @wisteriums
Sara Holmes is a graphic designer and illustrator based in Nanaimo. They own and operate Wisterium, a sticker and pin business. Their passion lies in creating imagery that pauses the mind and invokes a sense of wonder.
Jesse Miller Studio / @Jesse.hm
Jesse is an adventure lifestyle photographer based on Vancouver Island. His work focuses on connecting the outdoor world to movement and brands. His main ambition is sharing the empowering properties of being in nature and pursuing adventure.
