On a busy stretch of Washington Street in Vancouver, two stunning murals catch the eyes of people passing by. And often, those passersby stop and stay a while. Because something about these larger-than-life works bring a bit of hope - and humor - to what is otherwise a nondescript parking lot. Behind these paintings is Mario De Leon, a local artist whose approach to public art is as unique as the pieces themselves.
The first mural features Carmen Amaya, a Romani singer, dancer, and musician from Spain whose people faced persecution by the Catholic Church. Painted entirely freehand, the portrait captures Amaya with details that are both photorealistic and that tell a secret and personal story about Mario and his community. Included in the image are gorgeous blue roses, a nod to the “prison roses” drawn throughout Chicano culture. Pearls invoke the idea of rosary beads, a nod to traditional Mexican Catholicism, but transformed to respect Amaya’s history of opposition to the Catholic Church.
Evoking the opposite vibe, a playful pink Converse-style sneaker in the corner of the lot adds humor to the mix. Depending on your perspective, the shoe can look like it’s standing on a car or even a kid.
What sets De Leon apart isn't just his technical skill, but his philosophical approach to art-making. "I freehand everything because I don't want mine to look like a photo - I want it to look like a painting," he explains. "Even though it looks somewhat real, I want you to see the imperfections of it." This commitment to maintaining the human element in his work means avoiding projectors and grids in favor of treating each wall like “a giant piece of paper."
For De Leon, there's a clear distinction between commercialism and art. This drives his work with small businesses throughout the region, where he deliberately charges lower rates to make art accessible to local entrepreneurs rather than chasing corporate contracts.
Recently, De Leon has expanded beyond murals into painting custom shoes - tiny canvases you can wear! - though he initially struggled with the environmental impact of creating smaller, portable works. The shift represents a new challenge for an artist accustomed to creating permanent installations that become part of the urban landscape.
De Leon's work is particularly meaningful for those who feel overlooked. "My artwork is for the person who doesn't see hope," he says, addressing fellow artists and entrepreneurs who might be struggling to find their footing. His message is simple but powerful: focus on authentic connections rather than pursuing wealth, and success will follow.
As Vancouver continues to develop and change, De Leon's murals serve as both artistic landmarks and symbols of community connection. In a world increasingly dominated by AI-generated imagery and corporate art, his hand-painted murals stand as testaments to the true spirit of human creativity.
