Carlton student Jordan Twist poses with the mural she unveiled at the South Hill Mall, a project that took three months to complete. (Jeff D'Andrea/paNOW Staff)

By Jeff D'Andrea

Painting with a Twist

Carlton student unveils vibrant mural after months of dedication

Jan 10, 2021 | 5:23 PM

Since the end of October, Carlton Comprehensive student Jordan Twist spent so much time in the South Hill Mall painting a mural that she’s lost count of the hours.

But Twist got the ultimate award on Sunday. She got to unveil the final project to the world. With one tug of a string, Twist’s beautiful and colourful mural was shown to a small crowd at the South Hill Mall.

“It just feels so good to finally have it done, and just to embrace it, enjoy it and just revel in its glory,” Twist said.

The mural itself explores Twist’s First Nations culture and the concept of wahkotawin, Cree for the interconnectedness of relationships. Twist’s project tells a story about how it takes a village to raise a child, not just a family.

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“It’s supposed to be representing how a community comes to aid a child’s growth. It’s not only the mothers and fathers who influence our growth, but people in our community like teachers and people walking by the mall,” Twist said. “I wanted to share how important it is to share that power of being able to show a child how beautiful and lovely and kind this world is.”

Twist said the original idea came pretty quickly, as her first sketch of the mural was done in her room in around two hours.

But Twist didn’t undergo a project as large as this without help. Her father Christopher, who is a graphic designer, assisted her in the process. Melanie Mirasty, Twist’s art teacher and mentor, was there to support Twist as well.

When they first got to the mural site at the South Hill Mall entrance, Mirasty was amazed by how quickly and detailed Twist was able to draw the outline of the mural in pencil.

In just their first trip there, Mirasty said Twist had completely finished about 75 per cent of the penciled outline, and very little of those details were changed for the final project.

“I have never seen anything like that before,” Mirasty said.

A full view of Jordan Twist’s mural. Jeff D’Andrea/paNOW Staff

Twist’s art attracted some big names to come see the mural. Actor Dakota House, most known for playing Trevor ‘Teevee’ Tenia in North of 60, came to see the mural and visit with Twist.

The South Hill Mall reached out to Mirasty earlier in the year to create a mural. The project is connected Carlton Collection Builders, an extracurricular program at the school.

Jordan Twist received a special gift from the South Hill Mall. Here, she is congratulated by her father Christopher, who also helped on the project. (Jeff D’Andrea/paNOW Staff)

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Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW