New mural brightens up Bolton’s core

By Mark Pavilons

Bolton's four corners is now a little brighter, thanks to a large, full colour mural.

Blaze Wiradharma, aka “Blazeworks,” was commissioned the Downtown Bolton Revitalization Task Force & Town of Caledon to make this mural a reality and ensure public art is a centerpiece in the core.

“In Bloom” is located on the Ume Sushi Building at the intersection of Queen Street and King Street. The art is inspired by the wildflowers and wildlife of Ontario and represents diversity and the coming of spring.

Blaze's artistic journey began with a “spark of inspiration from graffiti.”

“Drawing had always been a passion of mine, but it was the dynamic and expressive nature of graffiti that set my creative path ablaze.”

He established Blazeworks while still in university, and began taking on commissioned mural work.

After graduation, he pursued a career as a freelance mural artist, graphic designer, and illustrator.

Over the years, he's worked with various clients, including Facebook, the City of Toronto, TVO, and many other businesses and privately commissioned works.

Throughout his 10 years as a professional mural artist, the “narrative of my artwork has always been a top priority. I view graffiti and illustration as powerful forms of storytelling that can express the adversity we face in life. I focus on culture, technology, and our relationship to the environment in my work, using art as a vessel to communicate my messages and tell my stories.”

Last year, he was commissioned to do work on the Bolton Well building along the Humber River in the core. That mural is a continuation of his “Humber River” mural project in downtown Bolton.