NOT YOUR AVERAGE Guide to Vancouver - Art Edition

[@kellybryson7754]

Neat to have the other youtubers give their opinion. I like that much of the art was paid for by builders, a good way to fund arts and provide art as the area grows.

[@emmalynmckenna5155]

this is awesome! As someone raised in van I definitely remember almost all of theses!! but that POODLE?!?!? I used to live off of main, went to elementary and worked on main. I've never even seen that poodle and i'm so amazed by that! great video with many diverse pieces!! Well done!

[@anng1371]

I have to say that the chandelier piece is actually a bit satirical because of the fact that homeless people used to live around where the chandelier now sits and so they are now kicked out from the place with this display of wealth. I remember this piece from my art class last year because my art teacher made the whole class debate on the meaning of the spinning chandelier and its location.

[@davebagley6499]

I appreciate how you have adapted to "stay at home". This is one of your better videos - upbeat and interesting. What else will you find just down the street?

[@williambeaumont1312]

The orca is the best. Pure genius.

[@michelleh4717]

i don't get it

[@AllycatlovesAG]

I've never noticed that poodle, and I've driven there a million times! I always see the straws. You did a great job covering the local art- we have a lot of weird ones. Another iconic piece of art is the blue teardrop right by the whale

[@DownieLive]

Yes! I opted to leave it out this time, just due to time. But it is a good one 💧

[@yelyint5620]

I'm so fast this time; waiting this video for the whole week. What a beautiful and diverse culture Vancouver has delivered! Of course, art is highly subjective, and I believe it takes a lot of courage and passion for artists to create their own pieces and bring them to the eyes of the public as they know their work will be criticized. Maybe that's why we should celebrate and embrace art more. Thank you for another great video, Mike. Cheers!

[@DownieLive]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Another great video, Mike. Huge congrats on topping 100K MILESTONE! The Mosque has the most beautiful intent, that rates big with me, but the one you started with, the 1940s spaceship, is the coolest.

[@DownieLive]

I totally agree with you!

[@pierrebrunet2284]

A - MAZE - ING LAUGHTER is my favorite one ! Thank you , for this artistic fly over ! I like the big birds and the digital Orca !

[@williamneal9076]

Episode of X-Files. The one with the almost unrecognizable STUART MARGOLIN. He played a character in the 1970's ROCKFORD FILES television series.

[@DownieLive]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@sunayanisarkar3356]

Trans Am Totem is one of my favourite pieces since the light seems to hit it differently everytime I see it from the SkyTrain. Also, please do a series on places to see along the SkyTrain lines.

[@DownieLive]

Ohhhh that’s a good idea!!

[@DiscoverConnection]

Thanks for asking me to be a part of this, Mike and congrats on 100K! 😁I wonder what the most unique pieces of art from other cities & towns around the world look like & what the stories behind them are. If anyone's curious about my channel, I make videos about the power of human connection! 🙂

[@DownieLive]

Good question, Brad. Hopefully some KZbinrs take this video idea on in their own cities, so we can see! Thanks again for being apart of this video!

[@IzzyOnTheMove]

Inspiring! I should do a video of the art pieces in Quebec City!

[@joannelawrence9497]

I love your videos! We're road tripping to Vancouver from Toronto soon and all the things you highlight are the kinds of things we like to see. Also, you told the spaceship sculpture story very well!

[@DownieLive]

Have fun!

[@Jinkies1979]

First off, a big CONGRATULATIONS for 100k subs! As for the art? The Banana Slugs won the day for me hands down. It is definitely on my to do list whenever I get to visit Vancouver again. Anything quirky makes my list, and slug sculptures? QUIRKY! LOL It is always fun to see what gets stashed around a city, and even though there are those who will be negative about it, I like to look at it as if it is a never ending treasure hunt. Pieces are always being added, changed, removed, etc., so you never know what you will find. For me, it is more often about the journey, not the destination, so even when I come across pieces I may not personally enjoy, I had fun getting there, and I know there are plenty of others who will love those pieces, and THAT I enjoy. I want to send a huge thank you to you for all your work. Not only have you managed to keep creating interesting videos, but you are always so upbeat and positive, which we definitely need right now. So not only do we get something to look forward to, but also someone. Cheers from a US neighbor down in WA. :)

[@DownieLive]

Thanks so much! I appreciate the support, and glad you enjoy what I do, because it makes me happy to make them.

[@adventureswithphil2560]

Dude, such a great piece! Well done, everyone!

[@erika.eunice]

omg!! you’re the guy I saw at Marine Drive and Cambie filming the gold thing. I walk behind you while you’re filming! ☺️

[@DownieLive]

😄 So cool!

[@kellyplumb7024]

I'm taking a train excursion with my favorite cousin next summer/Fall from Portland to Vancouver your videos have inspired several things put on our list.....🙏⭐

[@WilliamBlakeHall]

Vancouver looks amazing!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@lisad476]

They are all great..hard to choose. But I think I would have to choose the the hollow tree only because I have fond childhood memories of it. Great great content this week!!!

[@DownieLive]

Yay! I'm happy to hear you know the Hollow Tree, Lisa!

[@lisad476]

😁 My Grandpa took me there. Really good memories but all the other things you showed were so awesome to

[@copykat3971]

Fantastic video! The first piece of art is what makes travelling so much fun for me, learning little nuggets like that really make the trip :)

[@DownieLive]

Totally agree! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@erickal4037]

Nice vlog on Vancouver. Very informative! Congratulations on 100 k . We the fans love what you do to bring us the world 🌎

[@DownieLive]

Thanks so much Ericka! I’ll continue to do my best during these difficult times. I hope you’re well.

[@katecarnes3624]

The Poodle on a Stick made me laugh!! In Loring Park Minneapolis, Minnesota we have a Cherry on a Spoon Sculpture in a pond. Nice art work around Vancouver!! Keep up the wonderful work Mike!!

[@DownieLive]

Oh wow!

[@Lisette777]

I love the pseudo-Lego Orca whale! Wonderful video. Thanks, Mike! I have been to Van a few times in my life, but not recently enough to see these many cool pieces. Also, kudos for allowing other local youtubers to join in on this one! Great idea. 🤗💖

[@DownieLive]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@donfenton7473]

Watched all of your Vancouver videos. I have wanted to visit your city now I am making plans. Thanks Michael.

[@DownieLive]

Please do!

[@caseyh8130]

UBC has a tree shadow that cost $360 000 in which you can only fully see from one spot that is not even accessible to the public. Otherwise just walking around it looks like different coloured bricks on the ground. Love your Vancouver videos!

[@DownieLive]

Lol, that's funny Casey. I'll have to check it out.

[@cassiermt]

This was an awesome video! Also, the Vancouver content is much appreciated, adding these to the list of places to visit!

[@DownieLive]

Awesome! I’m happy to hear that. Thanks Cassie.

[@s.n.7990]

U missed one astonishing art next to science world. Its maze of marbles.

[@suefalls1600]

Nice pieces of art! Loved the comic book capsule in the beginning! What an incredible story!💗

[@DownieLive]

Right?!

[@ChennysaFerrynrera]

Guide like you captivate people's heart with the sights of the world. Your guiding voice unites people from every corner of the world with you...💖

[@luizgustavolima]

So original concept! Loved ‘the sparrow ‘ and ‘a maze laughter’ most!

[@DownieLive]

Oh those are good ones! Thanks Luis!

[@joevermillion9748]

Congratulations on 100K followers. Now I want to come and visit Vancouver. Stay Safe and God Bless You and your family.

[@DownieLive]

Yay Joe! Thanks so much for your long time support. It’s good to have you here.

[@TheGlobalSnowbirds]

Wow, we're from Vancouver and didn't know half of that information on the art around the city, thanks for that! Cheers dude!!

[@DownieLive]

No worries! Happy to share!

[@lynfl9814]

I liked the Space Ship, the Birds and the Chandelier. I'm not sure what order! Oh! And, CONGRATULATIONS ON 100,000 SUBSCRIBERS!!! YEAH!!

[@DownieLive]

Thank you so much!

[@carlmuhm3896]

Michael, wow was not aware of that many pieces of art in Vancouver this makes the city more interesting for someone to come and enjoy a walkabout. Thanks for adding in all the others that had a perspective of art also to show. I know there's not a lot to do right now with cover 19 but this is a good idea showing and promoting this awesome city makes me want to go there right away but I am reminded that cove at 19 is still in effect so in the far future I will be in Vancouver looking at the artwork thank you for your video in time

[@DownieLive]

You’re welcome Carl! I’m glad you enjoyed it. I hope to see you in Vancouver one day.

[@jaredcampbell]

OMG the Time top has a comic along the the path in front of it... I had no idea, i have walked by that a hundred times. Thank you for the story, I will appreciate it much more now.

[@DownieLive]

Exactly Jared! Check it out! Thanks

[@frankpicaro7300]

Mike, art is never objecrive, but all art is to be celebrated. My choices for best in show in the vlog are the TIME TOP, such an interesting history, and GOLDEN FISH YUMCHA, simply for its colors. Terrific how you included other vloggers. GREAT vlog, as usual. Thanks.

[@DownieLive]

Right on! Great choices. I think the Time Top is my favourite too!

[@waverlyshegoes]

I have yet to visit Vancouver, though I remember a lot of my favorite childhood movies were filmed there. Cool!

[@jdhjimbo]

I like quirky art spread around town. Probably like the chandelier the best, but the huge birds are nice, too. I like sculpture that includes a water feature, but a big city should have a lot of variety, as everyone's sense of art is different, I also love the murals.

[@MartaCYoungblood]

This is a cool collab concept! 😆 I can’t wait to visit Vancouver and see these now.

[@DownieLive]

You should!

[@mooldoo]

Always a pleasure watching your videos, so much alive ! I knew almost all, yep the poodle is really well hidden. Watching the introduction, I thought you would have talked about the sitting woman in the Devonian Harbour Park (from J. Seward Johnson, Jr)

[@michaelformaini7053]

Hey Michael, you've really got me thinking about a selection of Melbourne's Public Art that you can see when you get downunder. There's quite a few 'out there' things to see here, some within metres of each other, some not so well known, others quite quaint. Off the top of my head, there's the Yellow Peril, the Sinking Tram, Hosier Lane, Federation Square, The Federation Bells, The Vault Sculpture.......Oh Dear!...I'd better stop there to allow fellow Melburnian James Walker to list his! Great expose of Vancouver's weirdest public art and interesting social comments by your fellow contributors. Keep up the good work and stay safe. Oh, and I have a not so well known place for you to experience the Aussie Bush and Fauna for free.

[@DownieLive]

Thanks Michael. It's looking like we won't be able to travel internationally this year, but I have Australia at the top of the list!

[@michaelformaini7053]

@@DownieLive Great to hear. In my excitement to list things to see, I forgot that the Yellow Peril and the Vault sculpture are one and the same thing. It's nomadic, having been relocated at least twice since conception.

[@louhvie]

The banana slugs (I need to find them all, did you find all forty?!) and the poodle... they're so random and I love it HAHA. That ladder is pretty amazing, too. Thanks to you and your friends for sharing these art pieces!

[@gregorygrice]

This is awesome. Great video! I found your page a few videos ago and I have to say, I'm loving the videos. Keep up the great work.

[@DownieLive]

Awesome! Thank you! Glad to have you here.

[@rodrigobarbosa4430]

I like the big birds in the street! I am just waiting the boarders reopen! After that i will go to Vancouver and i can enjoy these fantastic places!

[@DownieLive]

Sounds great!

[@IzzyOnTheMove]

Love discovering new Vancouver KZbinrs! I am one myself and also live in Québec part of the year.

[@DownieLive]

Super!

[@davethemmp3763]

Nice walk around our city, lived here most of my life didn’t know about most of them, we have real Orcas didn’t know we needed digital ones? Nice work Mike.

[@DownieLive]

Thanks Dave! I’m glad I could show you something new in the city.

[@marccheban194]

This is a GREAT video! What an original idea beautifully executed. I hope it inspires others to honor the share their own cities' art.

[@DownieLive]

Thanks Marc! I’m glad you enjoyed it. And thank you very much for your support. It goes a long way right now.

[@YamIa3gypsy]

The poodle on a stick...that one is very odd. But hey, everyone loves a good watch dog. Maybe it has hidden cameras in its eyes? Congrats on 100K! I am new to your channel and enjoying the ride.

[@DownieLive]

A watch dog! 😂. I should have used that line in the video.

[@ddjtjm]

When I went to Vancouver with my hubby, we just fell in love with the location, food, and the people!

[@DownieLive]

That is awesome!

[@billhanson7944]

Thanks Michael I think my favorite is the first one looking like a spaceship that you said was submerged in the river glad his wife managed to save it. A couple things I’ve seen but there’s a lot to check out next time I’m up there. When the trains get going. So you’ve got me covered for Vancouver,. A Russian guy Serge takes me all over Russia so I don’t even need to go there. And then I always take rest with my Panama bird feeder from Cornell University. Just leave it on and watch to see what flies in. And of course the odd recipe here and there of things I will never cook. Keep posting, they get filed in my Vancouver file.

[@dennisvarwig7672]

Nice job again Micheal really enjoy your work. What you just showed reminds me of the giant rubber stamp in downtown Cleveland

[@DownieLive]

That is awesome!

[@dennisvarwig7672]

Micheal I’m real big in historical places are you?

[@dennisvarwig7672]

Keep up the great work

[@Imightberiding]

The East Van sign is a modern take/replica/version/interpretation of the origin Jesus or Jesus Saves sign that was prominent on Main St in east Vancouver for years until perhaps Expo 86. I'm not entirely certain when it disappeared but I can clearly recall it from the 70's & early 80's.

[@corinnahaverlandt705]

The dog an the laugher are great, too! 👍 Thank you for the video!

[@DownieLive]

My pleasure!

[@s.n.7990]

I am living next to the ladder, and I always wondering what is it 🧐. Would be nicer if they light the steps up at night.

[@Larry-325]

Mike! CONGRATULATIONS ON 100,000 subs! That’s great! Doesn’t surprise me. Keep it up. 👍👍👍👍

[@DownieLive]

Thanks so much Larry! You've been around for most of it. I can't wait to see where we go from here!

[@lamourrrr]

I just watched ur videos like 2 or 3 weeks ago and u have like 90k subscribers now u have a 100k ur channel is growing so fast

[@DownieLive]

🎉

[@JoannaVancouver]

Glad you had to stay in Vancouver due to Covid. Now I know so much more about my own city!

[@candacejackson5044]

The chandelier under the bridge looks really cool. Have seen the Orca, A-maze-ing laughter and Trans Am Totem. Also the blue raindrop, not featured. All back in 2016.

[@sherrylush5474]

Fav was Chandelier reminds of Phantom of Opera one thanks for the tour

[@GeocachingKeats94]

So, funny story about that poodle statue. We have a very creative geocacher from the lower mainland who decided to create a very large poo-shaped concrete geocache, and put it at the base of that statue. People who saw the fake poop thought it was part of the art installation. Eventually someone turned it over, and discovered it was a geocache. The person who discovered it did some investigating, learned the geocache was by a guy named Stu, and actually set him up for an interview on a podcast. I can’t remember which one, it was years ago. That was by far the most famous geocache in Vancouver at one point. 😄

[@andrewkast4087]

I like the Time Top best as it looks like an alien that just walked out of the water. The rest were interesting but quite up to the Time Top. Thank you for the video!

[@Dev1nci]

Aah this is a fantastic vid! I would like to see more. One thing that may be nice to see is more digested art. These were mainly direct representations of something else, what about a bit of abstraction? It doesn't have to be ugly art, just something in need of interpretation :)

[@mysticedge4]

What about the stacked up tires on the way to the airport

[@shortcode651]

I’ve Definitely got Vancouver & Canada on my Bucket List, inspired by your video Michael. Your so Awesome. 💥👊🔥🇬🇧”

[@DownieLive]

Awesome! Thank you! Danny, Vancouver is waiting for you to visit!

[@shortcode651]

DownieLive next year definitely I’ll be visiting Vancouver after Coronavirus passes. Thank you Michael, your channel is Awesome. 👊🔥”

[@anonbee9726]

The chandelier takes it for me, although Poodle on a Stick is a close second. Thanks, Mike!

[@DownieLive]

Good choice!

[@chadicusroboticus3115]

Here's a comment from a "johnny-come-lately"... love the banana slugs - I like it when art becomes interactive and gives you something to do other than just look at it. The few times I've been to Vancouver, I've always enjoyed seeing the random, large butterfly-wing murals. I've never had the opportunity to stop and take a selfie in front of one. Here's a suggestion (if you're taking any): Should you do another public art video - do one that focuses on art provided by the coastal peoples of BC. Vancouver is surrounded by a half-a-dozen coastal nations. It'll be a good learning experience for you - and your viewers. (And if you do decide to do it - please don't use that gaudy word "indigenous" when talking about coastal peoples. Commit to learning their specific coastal name! :D

[@jonmason1955]

My two favorites are the Time Top and the East Van Cross, the spinning chandelier is an odd curiosity worth mentioning. I'd rather experience the original old tree, not a cold duplication. Fun blog, Mike!

[@DownieLive]

Good call Jon! Thanks for watching!

[@jackie8357]

What an interesting video - thank you- and yes I'm binge watching

[@DownieLive]

Hahaha. That’s okay, Jackie! You’re allowed 😉😄

[@teammeteamus.8315]

I liked the chandelier the best, only because I want to twirl beneath it in a floaty dress!

[@DownieLive]

Great idea!! That would make a great picture!

[@TomLloyd-18]

my fav is the "amaze ing laughter" . . . but . . . I gotta give to you for the last one's name: "Poodle-on-a-Stick". Awesome! Thanks for another entertaining informative artsy vid.

[@DownieLive]

Hahaha

[@davidschein835]

Mike!! Can't believe there is a poodle hanging of Main street ... in total shock and disbelief, will be driving by just to check it out - thank you for enlightening us!!

[@DownieLive]

No problem, David! Hahaha! Glad I can still surprise You!

[@claraberger2368]

Such a fun video! Thanks for sharing :)

[@DownieLive]

You are so welcome!

[@smithtownrides23]

Amazing laughter is my favorite sculpture

[@noelchristopher4791]

As usual, i learned something new about my City....thanks !!!

[@DownieLive]

Glad to hear that!

[@cinegems2944]

1:31 I had absolutely no idea about that. Have to check it out now.

[@advaithjayakumar468]

Congrats on the 100k!

[@DownieLive]

Thank you so much 😀

[@smallstudiodesign]

Vancouver is simply continuing its bohemian tradition.

[@agentofficerthomasa.porter107]

Finally catch up with you. Wondering where you have been. Missing ya. Well here you are! Great! :-)

[@laustpeternielsen-norman9569]

Love the Orca looks like he was playing with lego

[@chumd4815]

haha, weird seeing places I go all the time on youtube!

[@williamneal9076]

Don't have a favorite. Maybe the SPARROWS. But what's really great is how these pieces are presented. Great Job, Mr. Downie. (How ironic. You are definitely not your "namesake". Very upbeat, positive, and enthusiastic.) P.S. Would this Douglas Coupland be the same one who writes books?

[@rso59]

I like Dwight’s Stolen Chandelier most.

[@jaygray7102]

That pile of squashed cars is home to many birds....and tons of bird droppings. So is the Lion's Gate Bridge.

[@marest666]

I think my favorite is the East Van Cross. Since I commute from downtown Van to Surrey either by bus or the train, I always pass by Broadway Station. I wasn;t quite sure whether it was has a religious symbolism considering the city's "notorious" image as one of North America's most secular city. I think the video highlighted a ray of hope amidst the social problems that pervades the area from addiction and homelessness as well as a "light" in the moral darkness that has crept into a post-Christian milieu

[@sd-dh4bh]

When I first saw the "Trans-am Totem" I thought it was a prop from the Deadpool movie being filmed around the same time it was installed. I was not very enthusiastic when I found out it was staying. I'm not really a car guy.

[@jeffmoore759]

I just found your channel and really enjoy your videos. Have you have been staying healthy and in shape during quarantine? What do you weigh now? Looking forward to new videos.

[@DownieLive]

Hahaha Mitch, interesting questions. I have had my ups-and-downs through this, but doing really well now. As for my weight... I don't own a scale, so I'm not sure, but I feel healthy so it's good.

[@jeffmoore759]

Awesome, what do you think you weigh?

[@DownieLive]

Somewhere around 200?

[@calvincouch4091]

Glad to see you :) Hope you're well.

[@DownieLive]

Thanks Calvin! I’m doing alright! I hope you’re doing well too

[@MonicaKM111]

the Chandelier! Wicked.

[@lmbarak]

This fellow is absolutely adorable

[@lillafavero9478]

🇧🇷🇨🇦❤ Now a little guy here has a list of public art to visit, specially the space ship / comic book one. Thank you! 🌷

[@DownieLive]

Have fun!

[@sandrajewitt6050]

How have I never noticed the poodle on a stick?

[@DownieLive]

EXACTLY!!!

[@SeNsiTiviTy00]

Theres a rain drop by waterfront canada place ! I think it's iconic

[@DownieLive]

It totally is. But we only had time for 10.

[@Nynke_K]

I think the slugs were my favourite. And I found it funny that I know one other person with the artist's last name, and now I imagine the artist as someone who's as bright and bonkers as the guy I know :)

[@eilishfitzgerald7475]

Near my Grandparents house in Chicago, there was a similar car stack, and I believe that the artist got cars from a junk yard. My mom and uncles could always tell that they were almost home when them and my Grandparents took road trips. It was up until about 10 (or so) years ago. I can't remember what it was called, which is a bummer

[@DownieLive]

Thanks for sharing

[@mindmy609]

the beginning bell hausen dome is a iodine aquafer conducter the slug are social distancing

[@zhukov43]

That Orca was the coolest.

[@billelliott7531]

I like it all, but my top favorite is the Trans Am Totem. Very cool.

[@corinnahaverlandt705]

😂 😃 You and the slug! 👍👏

[@DownieLive]

😁

[@liana1760]

I like the time top!

[@Bochanable]

Hmmmm the banana slugs were definitely weird. I think Vancouver might have San Francisco beat for weird art pieces. And San Francisco is sorta known for eclecticism

[@SAMIAMFNX]

love the vid