Reported by Lauren Fernandez, serving as the Weather Specialist and Videojournalist for CTV News Montreal.
After a successful career in marketing packaged goods, John Bailey found a new passion in retirement: painting. Despite taking art classes while working, it wasn't until 2018, when he retired, that he could fully dedicate time to his hobby. However, it wasn't until the third wave of the pandemic in 2021, marked by widespread isolation, that Bailey decided to share his watercolor paintings on Facebook.
His initial intention was not to sell his art, but simply to showcase it. Surprisingly, Bailey received overwhelmingly positive feedback with hundreds of likes and encouraging comments, motivating him to continue sharing his work. His art predominantly captures scenes from around the city, starting with a nearby statue. The unexpected popularity led to requests for prints, creating a connection between his art and the memories of those who viewed it.
One notable instance involved a depiction of Ms. Kim, whom Bailey observed regularly in his neighborhood. After posting the artwork, the response was not only an outpouring of affection for Ms. Kim but also requests for copies. Bailey's art has become a way of immortalizing memories, especially as neighborhoods change. For instance, his portrayal of the old abandoned factory on St. Ambroise, known for the little pink house on top, sparked a strong reaction from the community, expressing attachment and concerns about potential developments in the area.
The artist is driven by the emotional reactions his work elicits, realizing that his drawings are more than just aesthetically pleasing creations. One of the highlights was receiving a like from Marc Bergevin, the former general manager of the Montreal Canadiens.
While Bailey does sell his art to former Montrealers now living elsewhere, he delivers pieces to those still in the city. Witnessing the joy on people's faces as they unwrap the artwork brings him a sense of fulfillment. As he captures the essence of Montreal through his paintings, Bailey has unintentionally become a storyteller, preserving the city's memories one watercolor at a time.
