Leonard Nimoy memorialized in mural by artist A.J. A. Louden

Edmonton street artist A.J. A. Louden boldly went into the bitter cold earlier this week to pay homage to one of his childhood role models actor Leonard Nimoy.

This week, Louden spent hours in the cold, applying black-and-white spray paint to a graffiti wall on Whyte Avenue to create a mural of the beloved Star Trek actor.

Nimoy, best known for the character of Spock, died Friday at 83.

Hes a freaky alien with pointy ears. But somehow, I could relate to that- A.J. A.Louden on Spock

It wasa little chilly. I would have liked to spend a little longer, maybe,Loudensaid.

Loudensaid the mural, calledLived Long and Prospered, was made in honour ofNimoy, who inspired him when he was younger.

Growing up in a mixed-race home, Loudenfound kinship with the character, who often struggled with his own half-human, half-Vulcan heritage.

Him feeling like an outsider the solutions he came to were inspiring to me in many ways, Louden said.

Which is funny. Hes a freaky alien with pointy ears. But somehow, I could relate to that.

The mural was done on one of the citys open source art walls, which give street artists a legal place to show off their work.

Louden was pleased he was able to put his painting in a place where others in the city could enjoy it, and where the iconic character could be seen, instead of a less-worthy, out-of-the-way place.

If I hadnt had a wall like this, Spock probably would have ended up under a bridge or on the side of a train somewhere.