In the wake of COVID-19, many summer jobs have been scrapped due to safety concerns. Nearly impossible to find a job that has any relation to one’s degree, many students across Canada are working in an industry unrelated to their passion. However, one staple summer job has managed to ensure somewhat relevant artistic work experience: house painting.
Unable to find any available art gallery internships, Andrew Simpson decided to cross over to the dark side and paint houses. The second-year OCAD student wasn’t disheartened though, saying that he’ll make it work. “If I’m going to create masterpieces here,” Simpson said, twirling his paintbrush, “I need total creative freedom. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. My job, my choices.”
Simpson’s new job isn’t only about money, but it’s a labour of love, he explained. “I do it for the pure joy of painting. To wake up at six o’clock in the morning and paint until midnight. That’s how I’ll master art. Have you ever heard of the 10,000 Hour Rule?”
When asked about what he intended to paint, Simpson became illusive. “You’ll just have to wait and see. It certainly will not be what you bourgeoise types are used to. New wave gothic neutral is in vogue right now. So predictable,” he said with an eye roll. “I intend to shock my audience. What says ‘fuck the fascists’ better than painting it in red, capital letters on your neighbours homes?”
Photo Credit: Patrick Fraser
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