JASPER – Spanish artist Tirso Paz, known professionally as Bublegum, created a mural of a cougar behind the Earls restaurant earlier this month.
Bublegum was one of three artists who participated in this year’s UpLift! Jasper Mural Festival. He recently answered questions from the 51暗网 about his experience creating his work of art.
What made you want to participate in UpLift! Mural Festival?
I was really excited about the opportunity to return to Canada. I had visited in 2024 and absolutely loved the experience. When I saw the open call and learned more about the devastating wildfires that happened last year, I felt a deeper motivation to be part of something meaningful. Jasper’s natural surroundings, combined with my passion for painting animals, made it the perfect setting for my work.
How did you enjoy your trip to Jasper?
It truly exceeded my expectations. We had the chance to explore the national park for a few days, and I was amazed by the incredible scenery: the lakes and the waterfalls and especially the wildlife. We were lucky to spot a grizzly bear, two black bears, goats and elks. It was a completely different environment from Spain, so pure and untouched. What made it even more special was how kind and welcoming the people were. While painting my mural, I felt deeply connected to the community, and I’m grateful that my art could contribute positively to their daily lives.
Can you describe your ornamental style?
My style is a unique fusion of realism, mostly focused on animals and female portraits, with ornamental elements inspired by modernist architecture. It also carries an expressive touch of movement and intensity drawn from tattoo art. It took me several years to refine this approach. I began with digital illustrations and was initially hesitant to translate such detailed work onto walls, but after my first mural attempts, I saw how well it worked on a larger scale, which encouraged me to keep evolving and pushing the style further.
What are you hoping to convey with your mural?
What stuck with me the most was something a woman told me while passing by in her truck. She was on her way to visit her daughter after losing her home in the wildfires. She said she loved cougars and that seeing this mural every day would lift her spirits. For me, that moment captured everything I hoped to convey offering beauty, hope and emotional connection through art.
How long did it take to paint your mural?
This mural took me about three days to complete, as it was a smaller format than I usually work on. Typically, a 10x10 meter wall would take around a week. Even in a short time, I was able to fully express the detail and spirit of the piece.
How do you think your mural turned out?
I’m always my own toughest critic, but I really enjoyed painting an animal that means so much to me. I hope the people of Jasper connect with it and find joy in it every day that’s the most important thing for me.
