Noah's Ark Murals: Project Completed!

Noah's Ark Murals
Copyright Bee K C Tan

Noah's Ark Murals: African animals

Copyright Bee K C Tan

Eight walls, Four long corridors, 132 animals representing 60 species and 110 days later, the transformation of the ground floor which used to house the staff offices of the Subiaco Church of Christ is now complete. From dark drab walls to colourful expanses of light and bright vistas, the changing landscapes transport visitors into a unique space.

Corridors double up as a portrait galleries of animals from around the world, beginning in Australia. Visitors are greeted by flying black cockatoo mobiles and pop up trees. 

 From Australia, Antartica, Asia, Africa, Europe, North America to South America and finally the Ark, the animals line the walls and tell a story. The final corridor presents a message and three vertical mirrors provide interesting perspectives, allowing the viewers to literally see themselves in the picture.

The Australian Corridor
Copyright Bee K C Tan 

Looking back at the Australian Corridor
Copyright Bee K C Tan

Transforming a Corridor

BEFORE

I received a request in January to help transform a church office area into a kids friendly place for the children's ministry. I did not expect to be painting murals again quite so soon, after last year's massive external Parable of the Tree mural. However, it is a pleasure to be doing something for the children in the church. My canvases are walls along three long and narrow corridors, and so the challenge is to visually expand the space we have.

Having decided on the theme of "Noah's Ark" I began work on the first corridor, which will showcase the animals of Australia. This is where the children will begin their journey as they check in.

We have now got the background painted and the first pairs of animals are in place (which I painted on MDF boards and mounted onto the wall).  The animals, of course, will be appearing two by two as the days go by.

This is a sneak peak at what is to come:

Corridor under transformation

New year, new journey!

I cannot believe that my last post was in July 2012! It is now 2013 and I will try to write a little more this year, I hope. Life does get in the way, doesn't it? In the latter half of 2012 I made a trip to country New South Wales and enjoyed the beauty of New England country down under. I taught another term of watercolour classes before taking a break from teaching in November till now. Teaching has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of the year, and watching my students progress gives me tremendous satisfaction. As I was giving demonstrations at every lesson, my own skills have improved too!
“It is one of the beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Logo designed by Artist Bee. All rights reserved 2013.

2013 marks the beginning of a new phase in my life in art. I have just started as volunteer facilitator of  a new community arts group in Subiaco and this will be my "baby" for a while.  The Art Seeds Project aims to provide a safe, relaxed and nurturing space once a week for people to explore their creativity.. People bring along their own art/craft project to do alongside others for a small fee which includes tea/coffee. Absolute beginners will receive help and guidance by the facilitator or more experienced members.