Catholic Vancouver May 11, 2023
Care home resident builds connections through his art
By Nicholas Elbers
Immediately upon walking into Columbus Residence the influence of resident Joseph Lau is apparent: his artwork is displayed all around the reception area.
Lau, who has lived with Parkinson’s for nearly 20 years, has been sketching and drawing since he moved into the Vancouver long-term care home six years ago. His previous work as a structural engineer started his love of drawing.
He started by drawing cartoons for students from St. Anthony of Padua Elementary when they visited the residence. Later, he taught himself to paint with watercolours through books delivered to him from the Vancouver Public Library.
Despite living with Parkinson’s, Lau still paints regularly, spending much of his time creating religious images and scenes from nature.
“From the beginning until now, I am a Catholic,” he told The B.C. Catholic, and he is proud of the Catholic education he got growing up in Hong Kong.
Lau has a special devotion to the Virgin Mary, and his paintings of her are scattered throughout the building and adorn the door of the Columbus Homes chapel.
“When I look at Mary, she is always smiling at me,” he said.
Lau is generous with his talents, often giving his artwork to the Vancouver Public Library accessibility service staff who bring him library books on painting. In 2019 the library used his artwork on the Christmas cards they send to donors.
Lau wants his art to contribute to the well-being of the Church and hopes it will encourage people to “give their talents from God to help inspire children to be strong members of the Catholic Church.”
Over time his art has encompassed a wide variety of subjects and themes. All of it has been collected by his daughter into books, with volumes dedicated to landscapes, movie posters, and several books full of animals.
Lau has lived in Canada since the early 90s, but his Asian heritage plays a role in his artwork as well, and many of his paintings are styled like ink drawings and calligraphy.
One of his biggest inspirations comes from memories of his wife, Teresa, who died six years ago. Her influence can be seen in many of the people and animals in his artwork as they are presented in beautifully intertwined pairs.