“A Day in the Life” with Toronto artist birdO

BirdO AKA Jerry Rugg is a globally recognized Toronto based artist who seamlessly blends the fantastical surrealist nature of Salvador Dali and the crisp aesthetic of Swiss graphic design. BirdO’s passion was originally realized on the Canadian prairies and continues to grow as he pursues his global vision.

BirdO’s focus has been on muralism and canvas work, however, he is now evolving into 3D sculptural work and full-scale installation projects

Birdo - Painting our installation for the Honest Ed's Farewell art maze
Painting our installation for the Honest Ed’s Farewell art maze
Presenting a custom canvas to Tourism Toronto on behalf of BirdO and the Kimpton Saint George Hotel
Presenting a custom canvas to Tourism Toronto on behalf of BirdO and the Kimpton Saint George Hotel
1 of 3 finished pieces for the Ron Joyce children’s health centre in Hamilton
1 of 3 finished pieces for the Ron Joyce children’s health centre in Hamilton
Process shot of the creation of the Baycrest The Brain Project brain
Process shot of the creation of the Baycrest The Brain Project brain
Testing out the sculptural creature “playground rocker” for the AMEX Life artspace activation.
Signing the limited edition print with our friend Pangeaseed. With proceeds going towards ocean conservation and awareness
Signing the limited edition print with our friend Pangeaseed. With proceeds going towards ocean conservation and awareness
Limited edition print signing at the Adidas store on Queen for the pop-up launch of the new Adidas Deerupt.
Limited edition print signing at the Adidas store on Queen for the pop-up launch of the new Adidas Deerupt.
Process shot of the creation of the Rob Stewart tribute mural in Yorkville
Process shot of the creation of the Rob Stewart tribute mural in Yorkville

What ‘hood are you in?

Queen West, Toronto, right on Trinity Bellwoods park. The hub.

What do you do?

I am an artist living in Toronto. I am working primarily on mural and canvas work (at the moment) within Toronto and also globally.

What are you currently working on?

Currently, I am working on a 16 story mural in Toronto’s financial district as well as conceptualizing a sculptural piece for Toronto’s Nuit Blanche. I also just finished making a brain sculpture for this year’s The Yogen Früz Pinkberry Brain Project, which is a fundraiser for Baycrest Foundation.

Where can we find your work?

My work is really all over the city, go searching! If you don’t want to scour the back alleys for the archival pieces (potentially embarrassing), some easy to spot and more notable pieces i’ve done can be found at the St George hotel on Bloor st and at 545 King West. My sculpture for The Yogen Früz Pinkberry Brain Project can be found at Nathan Phillips Square until August 31st.

 

 

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Editor-In-Chief at Toronto Guardian. Photographer and Writer for Toronto Guardian and Joel Levy Photography