Shaolin Temple Quanfa Institute
S.T.Q.I. Downtown Toronto School
Written by Master Dao on Thursday, September 15, 2022

Shaolin Zen Mural Second Place Winner

/assets/image/Shaolin-Zen-Mural-Design-Proposals2-162-hPx0.jpg
/assets/image/Ray-Vidal-162-1200x1200.jpg

Congratulations to Ray Vidal for winning second place in the Shaolin Zen Mural Competition!

Here is Master Dao's commentary:

"Ray tied for first place in the voting, leaving me with a really tough choice of deciding the winner.

He pulled in many elements of Shaolin - the front gate of the Shaolin Temple, meditation, students sparring as illustrated similarly to an ancient mural in the White Robe Hall. He cleverly incorporated the slanting stairs into the art itself with scenic hills, slopes, and trees.

His art style and experience is clearly top notch. His use of colours brings vivid life to the whole mural.

All of my students, and myself, would have been very happy to see his art painted on our entrance walls."

Students were not privy to the explanations provided by each artist. Master Dao wanted his students to take the time to study the idea behind each design and vote based on the Shaolin Spirit and understanding of each artist.

Ray explains his design and approach:

"I strongly believe in space activation and public art as a way to bring community members together, especially when they are in community shared spaces. I want to create a public art piece that older and younger generation can engage and connect with as a community. That will allow for different groups and demographics to build connections and create ties in the public realm that will give a sense of belonging, deeper appreciation for Shaolin practices and philosophy, generate excitement and serve as a learning opportunity for new members that join the STQI community.

For this mural, I am looking to combine accessibility and familiarity together. I want the mural to reflect the Shaolin temple and STQI community. Incorporating elements of kung fu, tai chi, qi gong, meditation, and philosophy taught at the school. I want to also use imagery that is found in the school such as logos, colour pallet and objects with significant meaning found in the space to echo shaolin beliefs to help promote the school and pull new comers into the space.

When I think of Shaolin Temple I think self-control, self-respect, mental and physical health, well being, energy and how to direct energy. Practicing these ancient artforms can give you a sense of purpose, peace of mind, clarity, interconnectivity, connection and harmony in life. Through understanding and practicing meditation and learning the art form from a certified shaolin monk. Meditation can transport you to different times and places in your life and make you reflect on the things your seeing. Providing a vital life force, medicine, healing and discipline you can use in your daily life. I want to the art to reflect the school and its teachings. Being able to create artwork in the space will be an honour."

The prize for winning second place is:

  • Design Fee: $100
  • 14 Class Tokens (for Shaolin Kung Fu, Qigong, and Tai Chi) including a uniform set (shoes, pants, and shirt) – value of $350

If you would like to contact Ray Vidal or have a look at his other art projects:

Congratulations Ray!

Posted by Master Dao on Monday, December 16, 2019
Master Dao takes the opportunity to demonstrate a rare style of traditional Shaolin which we call Shaolin Tai Chi. It's more formally known as S... [more]
Posted by Master Dao on Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 LearnShaolin v2.1.1 Release Notes New Features! Better Chapter Progress Information We've updated the Chapter Completion Status ... [more]
Posted by Master Dao on Tuesday, April 04, 2023
Summer Term Begins Tuesday, May 2, 2023. Register online at www.stqitoronto.com. The summer is a very active time of the year. With the warmer wea... [more]
Posted by Master Dao on Thursday, February 09, 2023
Our summer camps are suitable for children from 5 to to 16 years of age. No experience nee... [more]
Posted by Master Dao on Monday, April 26, 2021
Do you feel you need more discipline in your life? Not feeling like you are disciplined likely means you are feeling stress and anxiety. It is a common concern an... [more]
Posted by Master Dao on Friday, May 13, 2022
Kaeti MacNeil has been taking qigong at STQI since last year and it's inspired her art. ---- Kaeti's art project is named 'Carasoul' and is now on display at 49 McCaul S... [more]
Posted by Master Dao on Saturday, August 07, 2021
Description from visiontv.ca website: Exercise is not just for the young, healthy or already fit; it is one of the best defences aga... [more]
Posted by Master Dao on Friday, June 23, 2023
The Shaolin Team Canada Wushu Festival is a celebration of what we call, the Shaolin Spirit. The inaugural festival was held in November o... [more]
Posted by Master Dao on Monday, November 13, 2023
What is wisdom, and why is it important? Learn what the ancient Shaolin teachings have to say about it, and how we can renew our passion to actively pursue wisdom. You can watch a rec... [more]
Posted by Master Dao on Monday, December 14, 2020
Master Dao and Raphael were on live at CTV Your Morning on August 30, 2018. They wanted to follow his story as he prepared for the Zhengzhou International Shaol... [more]
Contact Us Connect
Email: info@stqitoronto.com
Phone: 647-724-8004
Mailing Address:
  STQI TORONTO
  393 Dundas Street West, 2nd Floor
  Toronto, Ontario M5T 1G6
  Canada
YouTube
Instagram
Facebook
Discord

Copyright © STQI Toronto 2025 All rights reserved.