BC Parks Foundation

Wild Is Cool: The Art of Turbo Bambi

The early 2000s marked the tail end of an era defined by a DIY mindset, rebellious grit, and unapologetic authenticity. Adventurous youth carved out personal styles in stark contrast to corporate and mainstream trends, which were too commercial and manufactured to be cool.

At that time, while studying graphic design at university, Claudia Simon and two friends stumbled upon a local air-guitar contest. “We just thought it was hilarious,” she says. “We knew we had to join.”

Bringing all their branding skills to the table, they let their creativity run wild. “We went hard with the logos, graphics, banners, costumes, and choreography. We even created a fan club.”

They named their act Turbo Bambi, a nod to their obsession with Bambi figures, antlers, and deer imagery. “And tube socks were really popular,” shares Claudia. “In French, you call them ‘turbo socks.’ So, the name really encompasses a lot. It’s like a time capsule of our scene at that time.”

The day of the air-guitar contest the Turbo Bambi trio performed Deceptacon by Le Tigre, an art punk and riot grrrl band.  True to Turbo Bambi’s edgy style, they chose the song for the air guitar contest even though it has no actual live guitar at all.

“And we won!” Claudia laughs.

Peak Art

Since that first youthful manifestation, Turbo Bambi has evolved into Claudia’s personal artistic persona. She has merged the original authentic cool spirit and spark with the call of the wild, which brought her to her home in Revelstoke, British Columbia.

Today, her art is bold, vibrant, and playful, with roots in Kawaii, surrealism, and pop, containing surprising illustrative details meant to inspire a double take and a deeper look. Much like nature itself, her work rewards those who take the time to pause and observe.

In each piece you’ll find certain characters who make recurring appearances: 

The first is the protector, or observer, peering out with a single, bold, all-seeing eye, quietly taking everything in and ensuring all is well.

The second has two little round eyes and a tiny smile—the carefree adventurer, delighting in the moment and soaking up the sights, sounds, and textures of nature.

Lastly, the mischievous one—a thrill-seeker, embodying nature’s ever-present element of chaos and the spirit of embracing its challenges.

“There’s a risk you take when you get out into nature,” Claudia says, “whether it’s the risk of an un-forecasted rain shower or a backcountry avalanche. But with risk often comes reward.”

“The deeper I pushed my outdoor adventuring,” she shares, “the deeper I went with my art. When you really follow your intuition and what you love, all your passions line up.” Through her work, she invites us all to push our boundaries and explore our passions, discovering and evolving our own connection to the wild spaces within and without.

Some of Claudia’s work also has a lighter side. In original designs for BC Parks Foundation, Turbo Bambi celebrates everything nature has given her and—she hopes—reflects it back into the world for others to enjoy.  

“I take in so much happiness and wonder,” she says. “It’s become a mission of mine to share that spark and joy with others.” In a world increasingly dominated by screens, risk aversion, and predictable spaces, her art serves as a vibrant reminder of the simple joy found by getting outside. 

“My hope is that if someone is feeling down, or is just in a rut, and they see this art, they get a little glimpse of happiness and think, ‘Hey, how fun would it be to get outdoors? I’m going to go outside today, and I’m gonna feel great!’” 

Yay for Claudia and Turbo Bambi!  May her boundless creative spark and willingness to embrace the unexpected inspire you and others to experience more wild joy in yourself and BC.

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