Wren & Friends

In 2021, transitioning into 2022, I embarked on a six-month full-time mural artist contract with Wodonga City Council. This opportunity required me to manage every aspect of the mural projects from start to finish, including paperwork, permits, designs, confirmations, sourcing paint, and of course, the painting itself—along with all the additional responsibilities that come with facilitating a large-scale mural project. One of the murals I created during this time was "Wren & Friends," which became one of the 10 murals in the town.

The inspiration for this mural came from a visit to the site, where I encountered several obstructions such as pipes, poles, doors, and windows. Given that the space had once been a dull, high-traffic laneway, I wanted to transform it into something bright and inviting, while leaving enough space for a simple design that the community could help bring to life.

The Blue Wren was the perfect subject for the mural, as these vibrant little birds are commonly seen in the area, and the local community has a deep affection for them. To ensure accuracy, I took photographs of these birds around town, later incorporating them into a conceptual design for approval. Once the design was approved, we launched into a 5-day project that combined realism with creative solutions to paint over poles, large blocked areas, and of course, a community engagement day that allowed locals to contribute to the mural.

The result was a beautiful, vibrant mural that not only enhanced the space but also connected with the community, giving them a sense of ownership and pride in the project.