Murals are meant to be big and they are meant to engage. Usually it is hoped that they will
stimulate conversation and for the most part they are interactive. Happy coffee stops, and friendly chats with passing 'jogger bys,' have certainly let me know that I have acheived that objective with this entry in the local electricity box painting competition.
The design I have chosen for the electricity box situated in the main street of Sherwood had to be engaging. The intention is - to win a $1,000 and to stimulate curiosity. Already I have had job offers as a mural artist that have come directly from the painting of this box and it isn't even finished yet!
I believe the best way to attract and hold attention is to keep the design simple, and the combination of colours as basic as possible.
To be allowed to paint an electricity box I had to submit an entry form. The application consisted of the design in colour on an A4 sheet of paper and an explanation about why the design was pertinent to the local area. It was expected that it would reflect an aspect of the local area. It is, of course, intended that the box will enhance the street, and the cultural life of the suburb.
In this work, I have continued with a theme of flowers and butterflies from the rehab where I work -
as it is what people now come to expect from me. Within that framework though, I have been able to explore and push limits. This time the limit I am trying to push isSIMPLICITY
Although the design is simple it is also larger than life. It encapsulates simplicity of composition with a basic, complimentary colour combination. The colour scheme is red and green predominating with some black, white and yellow. (Representation would not have been possible without these.) I have kept these additions as sparing as possible, because I want the red and greenness to blare, burst and blazen! I want the butterflies to burst forth from the green leaves in a welcoming flurry, and the Heliconia to announce itself! Red on green is a natural choice of colour combination. The cool nature of green means it will recede, and the heat of the red and the charmed energy of the yellow, mean that the subject matter will 'step forward.'The design had to accomodate three sides of the box, plus cater for the aesthetic presence of the back and a top. So the idea and the movement of the design had to wrap around.
To be allowed to paint an electricity box I had to submit an entry form. The application consisted of the design in colour on an A4 sheet of paper and an explanation about why the design was pertinent to the local area. It was expected that it would reflect an aspect of the local area. It is, of course, intended that the box will enhance the street, and the cultural life of the suburb.
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