Artist transforms sea can into bright new mural depicting Sun Peaks landscape

A Sun Peaks resident has turned an eye sore into a bright work of art that will be seen by locals and guests at the mountain resort this winter.

Artist and photographer Zuzy Rocka completed a mural on a sea can that depicts the colours and scenery of the mountain landscape for the Nordic Ski Club. The avid snowboarder lives near the ski village.

“This piece was inspired by the sunsets at Sun Peaks and the contrasts of the oranges and deep blues,” Rocka said. “These colours can be seen among the green trees on the trails here. The roof of the can is painted to match the sky. The club wanted something nice and unique.”

Rocka said volunteers at the club contacted her and offered her the job. The mural took 48 hours to complete, and she endured dust storms, rain, hail and frost working in the elements.

“There were some beautiful moments of sunshine,” she said. “My hands would freeze so I had a garbage can type fire to keep warm. It was a big job. I was alone so I kept in the artistic zone listening to music.”

Rocka said this is the biggest project she has completed, though she has done murals before and is currently involved in other art projects, including commissions for home owners. She said this mural took longer than she anticipated.

“I am excited because it seems my art is taking off more,” she said. “It is pretty amazing that I get to create for a living."

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Rocka lives in Whitecroft, minutes away from Sun Peaks village.

“I am honoured to share my work with this community,” she said. “We all support each other here and it is cool to be connected to what is going on. It is a really giving community.”

The sea can is in parking lot number five at Sun Peaks Resort.

To see more of Rocka’s work go here.

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