Ambition Takes Flight

These works from Canadian artists draw their inspiration from the diverse reasons that bring each of us to the airport.

Views, content, and opinions included on artist social media do not express the views of CIBC.

OTHER ARTISTS

Robyn Lightwalker

Freedom of Connection, 2022
Sculpture

What was the inspiration behind this work?

At the time I created this piece, I had just returned from a pilgrimage in Spain, where I spent my days walking a trail with strangers from all over the world. It was the first time I was able to travel since lockdowns began, and for me it signified the renewal of freedom to connect with the world in more than just the digital realm. I met many people on the trip who shared their stories of being separated from their partners, children, communities, and some people who had grandchildren they had only just been allowed to meet for the first time. All these people had such different reasons to travel, but we all shared the same path for a short time, it was the most connected I had felt in a long time. Before I left on this journey I had fallen in love, and I cut my pilgrimage short to be with them back in Toronto. Sometimes you have to go far away from home to appreciate what you have.

What role has ambition played in your artistic journey?

Ambition has led me to take the leaps of faith I have had to make in order to do art for a living. There's a certain amount of belief in oneself that an artist needs to quit their day job, and stick with it when it gets hard. Like most artists I have a lot of self-doubt, but at the end of the day I know I have what it takes to achieve my goals.

What kind of reaction do you hope to inspire with your work?

I hope to inspire people to look at the world with hope again, and to have compassion and understanding for people that they don't know or understand. I feel like the pandemic bred a lot of distrust in each other, and caused communities to splinter apart. I hope my work can make people see the beauty in human connection again instead of fear and spite.

Follow Robyn’s work

@thelightwalker93 Opens in a new window.

Next artist

Komi Olafimihan

Aquatic Expedition, 2023

Go to artist page

All artists

CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card

Let your travel ambitions take flight with the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card.
Experience more of the world with our most flexible travel rewards program.¹
Join and get over $1,200 in value.^{†, 2}

Learn more