Original artwork description:

12 years ago, through my work, I first met Lina, an architectural project manager. A young, active woman, mother of 2 kids was riding her bicycle to work every day from the sleeping area practically to the other side of the city. Her choice was not due to material circumstances, on the contrary, she had a car and her salary allowed her another way of traveling. No - it was a conscious, ideological, I would say, choice. It all seemed a bit extreme to me at that time. Given our short summer season; snowy, cold and long winters, and lack of any bicycle infrastructure. Also, our car drivers back then were very intolerant of cyclists and it certainly affected traffic safety. A friend of mine was once hit by a car in broad daylight at a crossroads and didn't even stop to help her up. This accident did not break Lina and did not stop her from fighting the city administration to change the culture of the city. I respect her very much for that.
In more than 10 years a lot of things have changed in my city. I have many friends around me who ride their bicycles to work every day. Now it is not a rarity, but rather the norm. Vilnius itself has changed a lot: many bicycle paths have appeared; now everyone can rent a municipal bicycle and ride around the urban area. My hometown is gradually becoming green. And that's great!
The artwork continues my series of drawings dedicated to Unicorns - Dreamers, Visionaries, Explorers. Those who change our everyday reality.
This is a one-of-a-kind drawing made by me in gouache and colored pencils on high quality paper (260 gsm-universal, neutral ph. Acid-free). The drawing was fixed with professional spray varnish for gouache drawings for preservation. The image is signed by hand on the front side. Not framed.
Do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions.

Materials used:

Gouache, color pencils

Tags: