As part of KiwiRail’s Auckland-wide beautification programme, I was commissioned to transform a stop-block along Tamaki Drive in Parnell with a vibrant piece of public art inspired by its unique coastal surroundings.
With the nearby waterways as my inspiration, I used the space to bring some of my favourite sea creatures to life, adding a sense of whimsy, movement and colour in my bold, patterned style. The design was created to reflect the character of the location while transforming an otherwise ordinary piece of infrastructure into something visually engaging for the local community and passers-by.
Although this was a relatively small surface, the location made it a particularly memorable project. Completed in less than a week during ideal Auckland summer weather, I spent my days painting alongside the busy Tamaki Drive walkway, with plenty of passers-by stopping to watch or wave as they made their way to the nearby Parnell Baths.
Surrounded by the water and beautiful scenery, this Parnell public art mural became one of my favourite projects to date—a colourful celebration of Auckland’s coastal environment, designed to bring a little more creativity and joy to an everyday public space.