Van Kam Collaborates with Artist Rush Dhillon to Visualize Core Values

At Van Kam, we understand that the soul of a company lies not just in its services or its history, but in the values it upholds and lives by each day. Recently, we embarked on a creative journey to redefine and visually represent our core values, bringing them to life in a way that resonates deeply with our team and community. To achieve this, we collaborated with Rush Dhillon, an artist known for his unique ability to weave stories through his artwork, to create visual interpretations.

Crafting a Visual Language for Van Kam’s Values

When Casey Henry, Van Kam’s CEO, envisioned bringing the company’s values to life, he saw an opportunity for something beyond the ordinary. He reached out to Rush Dhillon with a challenge: to create a series of artworks that would not just decorate the walls but resonate with the spirit and history of Van Kam. “Casey approached me with the concept of encapsulating Van Kam’s newly defined values into art. We delved into Van Kam’s deep roots in BC, its legacy as a family-run business, and its widespread impact across the province,” Rush recounts the project’s beginnings.

Bringing Our Core Values to Life

Diving into our core values, Rush took a creative leap with each. For CARE, his artwork captures our deep connection to every part of British Columbia. “I wanted to show how Van Kam’s CARE reaches every corner of the province, embracing communities and the environment alike, including the wildlife,” he explains. It’s a visual ode to our widespread impact and deep-rooted care for the province we serve.

For DEVELOP, Rush illustrates Van Kam’s focus on nurturing its people. “I wanted to convey how Van Kam’s growth is fueled by investing in its people, providing a nurturing environment for both personal and professional development,” says Rush. His art piece mirrors this philosophy, depicting Van Kam’s commitment to our team’s growth as the foundation for our overall success.

The ACHIEVE artwork focuses on Van Kam’s role as a leader in the transportation industry and its commitment to serving a diverse range of businesses throughout BC. “This piece was about illustrating Van Kam’s role in the market, showcasing how the company helps businesses of all sizes across the province,” Rush notes. It’s a vibrant representation of our achievements and commitment to leading the way in the transportation industry. Each artwork isn’t just an image; it’s a story of what we stand for, deeply ingrained in every aspect of our operations.

Bridging Science and Art

Rush’s approach to visualizing our values draws from his unique background in Science. With a foundation in Biochemistry and Physiology, Rush has excelled in using art to communicate complex scientific ideas. “My scientific background aids in breaking down intricate concepts into relatable art. This method was pivotal for the Van Kam project – transforming singular words into comprehensive, visual narratives that capture Van Kam’s essence,” Rush reflects. His experience in making science accessible through art has been instrumental in bringing our values to life, crafting images that resonate with both clarity and depth.

The Artistic Process: A Blend of Old and New

Rush’s approach to creating art is a fascinating blend of traditional techniques and modern technology. In discussing his process, Rush shares, “My work begins with the classic approach of sketching with a blue pencil. It’s about getting the ideas down in their raw form on the drafting board. From there, I move to inking the drawing with a paintbrush, which adds depth and dimension.”

Once the initial stages are complete, Rush transitions into the digital realm. “After inking, I scan the artwork into my computer or iPad. This is where I add colours, and bring the sketches to life digitally,” Rush explains. This process allows him to maintain the authenticity and warmth of hand-drawn art while leveraging the precision and versatility of digital tools.

Beyond the Canvas

Away from his art, Rush Dhillon’s life is a blend of adventure and tranquility. He’s an enthusiastic mountain biker, exploring local trails and enjoying the serenity they offer. This hobby not only provides Rush with a physical challenge but also serves as a creative outlet, allowing him to draw inspiration from the natural landscape.

At home, Rush’s world revolves around his new role as a dog dad, coupled with his love for reading. He immerses himself in the diverse worlds of fiction, non-fiction, and comics, with a particular admiration for the works of Dan Clowes. This combination of outdoor activity and the introspective world of books enriches Rush’s artistic perspective, infusing his artwork with a unique blend of energy and depth.

A Journey Through Art

With Rush Dhillon’s artwork now adorning the walls of our terminal, each tells a story of the values that guide us at Van Kam. To delve deeper into Rush’s enthralling artwork, visit his portfolio at Rush Studio. This collaboration is more than just about visuals; it’s a reflection of our commitment to living our core values every day, creating a vivid reminder for our team and visitors alike of what truly drives us.

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