mural | The Website of Ciro Di Ruocco

The art generated a buzz at Rock of the Woods… Which echoed in the Cowichan Valley into the next weekend. I was asked by the city of Ladysmith, BC if they could display the mural over the long weekend! I thought it was quite the honour.

Meanwhile, back in my studio I had fallen behind on t-shirt orders and also ceramic wares… I needed a full day in the studio to evaluate how long it would take to catch up, so I could promptly inform my customers.

After three phone calls.. I could kiss my day working in studio over. I would spend the rest of the day setting up the art and getting the artists approval. I was torn between my own work and representing others.. But I felt compelled to get the visual artists as much exposure as I could for their dedication.

It’s hard to believe that a year ago a few friends and I stumbled through the screen printing process the night before Rock of the Woods music festival 2013. We were making t-shirts for Kendall Patrick and the Headless Bettys. In fact, I didn’t finish the t-shirts til a day into the festival.

A year later, I returned better organized and accompanied by a stellar support cast.

The art was top class. It challenged social norms, sparked interests and lots of conversation! Above all it brought smiles to many faces.

Spending my weekend talking to people.. It was clear that the appreciation was abundant.
Visual artists deserve exposure but usually it’s the musicians that get all the applause! This year Rock of the Woods showcased some of Vancouver Islands emerging visual artists as well as top musical acts. I believe it was a success.