Through Peaks and Strides – Mayuresh Ambekar × Vancouver Whitecaps
@whitecapsfc
This mural came to life during the
@astroartsfestival in Vancouver, surrounded by artists, movement, and constant creative energy. Painting my first large-scale mural in the city I now call home made this project deeply personal and unforgettable.
This mural focuses on
@ryangauld , captain of the Vancouver Whitecaps, honoring his presence, leadership, and legacy on the field. Instead of showing a single, literal moment, the piece expresses his energy and movement through layered imagery and abstract forms, echoing the rhythm of the game.
The design was developed by breaking down multiple photographs and rebuilding them through form, texture, and motion. The mural was painted entirely freehand using a doodle grid technique, without projectors or stencils, allowing the artwork to evolve naturally on the wall.
Throughout the project, I was guided by
@drewstuff whose mentorship encouraged me to rethink structure, form, and portraiture itself. Breaking apart familiar shapes and rebuilding them through abstraction expanded how I approach my work and opened new creative directions.
Working at this scale was both challenging and rewarding. Each layer of paint added depth and life to the surface, and the process pushed me to trust my instincts and embrace experimentation.
I’m grateful to the entire team of Astro Arts Festival and the Vancouver Whitecaps for presenting this opportunity to me for creating this work in Vancouver. This project marks an important step in my journey as an artist and one I’ll carry with me moving forward.
#vancouverwhitecapsfc #whitecapsfc #muralpainting #ryangauld #mls
