I was awarded a commission through an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to transform a 250-meter-long noise wall on Spearwood Avenue. The wall, which had originally been painted in a drab green colour, had long been an eyesore for the local residents. Positioned along a busy road where cars travel at speeds of up to 70 km/h, the wall had limited visibility to pedestrians, and the challenge was to create an engaging design that would be seen predominantly from passing vehicles.

The brief called for a simple, bright, and fun design that would uplift the area while also reflecting the unique characteristics of the suburb. To guide the design process, I held a community consultation workshop, where local residents shared their thoughts on what made Spearwood special. The feedback was invaluable, with many participants pointing out that the wall’s primary audience would be drivers rather than pedestrians, which meant that intricate details would not be visible. As a result, the design needed to focus on large, semi-abstract shapes that would be effective from a distance.

The mural itself is divided into three sections, each representing a different aspect of the suburb’s ecosystems. The leftmost section depicts the inland market gardens, which are a prominent feature of the area. This part of the mural features stylised representations of flowers and onions, reflecting the agricultural history of Spearwood. The middle section transitions into the wetlands, with abstract shapes representing plants such as banksia, bulrushes, gum trees, and tuart flowers. Finally, the mural moves into the coastal zone, showcasing flora such as pigface, Geraldton wax flowers, dune mosses, cushion bush, and seaweed—plants that are native to the region and reflect the suburb’s connection to the sea.

This thoughtful progression from inland market gardens to wetlands and then to the coast creates a visual narrative that mirrors the natural environment surrounding Spearwood. The design's bold and vibrant colours, combined with its large-scale semi-abstract shapes, ensure that the mural stands out from the passing traffic and provides a visual experience for drivers.

The project was completed over the course of nine days, with myself and a team of skilled assistants working to bring the design to life. The outcome is a mural that not only brightens the once-drab wall but also celebrates the local flora and fauna, giving the residents of Spearwood a meaningful and colourful representation of their community's unique ecosystems.

This project highlights the power of public art in transforming urban spaces and fostering a sense of pride and connection within the community. It was a rewarding experience to work closely with the residents and contribute to the aesthetic improvement of Spearwood Avenue.