Ukrainian-Born Artist Anna Bucciarelli Designs Colourful New Remembrance Day Coin for the Royal Canadian Mint

Remembrance Day is an important time for Canadian artist, illustrator, and coin designer Anna Bucciarelli. “My grandparents and great-grandparents survived and fought through WWII in Ukraine, which deeply influences my perspective on remembrance,” she told Daily Hive in an interview.

Anna Bucciarelli is a Canadian artist, illustrator, and coin designer who is deeply influenced by her Ukrainian heritage. Her grandparents and great-grandparents fought in World War II, which has shaped her perspective on remembrance. She is helping to honor veterans in a new way as the designer behind the Royal Canadian Mint's colorful new Remembrance Day coin.

Bucciarelli has been designing for the Royal Canadian Mint for over a decade, and her collaboration on the $20 Canadian Silver Dollar coin began when the Mint reached out to her after seeing her personal work on her website. They felt that her highly detailed style suited the intricate craftsmanship required for coin design.

Her pieces range from delicate color-plated designs like the Brilliant Cherry Blossom to larger, intricate coins with 3D elements, such as the Queen Rose and Holiday Train. Most of her work is showcased on her website and can also be found on the Mint's site.

For the $20 Canadian silver coin, Bucciarelli wanted to capture the resilience and solemn beauty of the poppy. Three flowers are shown from different angles and in various stages of bloom.

The biggest poppy is prominently positioned above the ribbon, pointing upwards towards the sun. This is the biggest open flower, shown in full boom to symbolize strength and the prevailing power of life.

The second flower is pointing down and serving as a visual reminder of the lives lost in war and the ongoing need to support those who have served in the armed forces. And the third flower is barely open and about to bloom, referencing the fact that poppies have the remarkable ability to thrive and bloom amidst adversity.

Seeing the finished coin for the first time is always magical, said Bucciarelli. The production process can take up to a year from initial design to minting, so there's a sense of anticipation. Contributing to this coin feels meaningful, and I hope it brings honour to the legacy of all who served and continue to serve.

Bucciarelli's passion for the arts stretches back to her childhood, but she initially didn't have plans to pursue it professionally. She studied finance and marketing at a business school in Toronto and worked in that field for years.

However, art was always her sanctuary, a way to unwind, and it was only later that she realized it could become her full-time career. Now, she is a teacher and YouTuber with over 360,000 followers on social media.

Her painting style is inspired by her Ukrainian heritage, especially the Petrykivka tradition—a form of folk art that emphasizes floral and plant motifs. This has influenced her designs on Canadian silver coins, Starbucks holiday cups, book covers, and murals.

Bucciarelli also recently published her first book, 101 Watercolor Secrets, which is a great resource for those who love painting and want to explore watercolor techniques.

She finds that art is a form of meditation for her and that she feels most at peace in her studio. As an introvert, she says that it's the best way for her to communicate and express her inner world. Creativity is essential because it allows for introspection and growth, helping her connect with others through her work.