A well-known mural artist recently returned to Squamish with aspirations of brightening up the community with colourful scenes of nature and First Nations culture, among other themes.

Before he left town seven years ago, Mehran “Raz” Razmpoosh was perhaps best known locally for his mural painting on the Oceanport Hotel. The building has since been refurbished and repainted, but the Iranian-born Razmpoosh said he’s keen to help liven up public and private spaces around Squamish.

“I want to let the community know I’m here and available to everyone, with a dream of having a second Chemainus in British Columbia,” he said of the Vancouver Island community that’s famous for its mural art.

Razmpoosh spent much of his time away in Port Hardy, where he painted both murals and smaller works. Some of his best-known works depict idealized scenes of nature, including one featuring orcas swimming in Howe Sound against a backdrop that includes the Stawamus Chief and Mount Garibaldi.

He also did some mural work in Hope and said he recently supplied original works and prints of local scenes to adorn the walls of the rooms in the Sea to Sky Hotel. He has also done work for the Squamish Nation, including one that depicts a traditional Coast Salish canoe gliding across the water in front of the Chief.

Razmpoosh said he could see himself participating in the Squamish Arts Council’s initiative to adorn downtown hydro transformers with paintings similar to what used to be on the Oceanport.

For more information, please visit www.razmurals.com or email groupofoneart@hotmail.com.