What do paintings of a cheeky pug, a pink kangaroo, an oversized zip, and butterflies and teapots with human-like faces have in common?
These unique and colourful artworks feature on Traffic Signal Boxes across the community, and they are part of the City of Stonnington's graffiti prevention program.
Supported by Stonnington Middle Years and Youth Services, the program (which takes place twice a year) provides young people the opportunity to be mentored by professional artists and a platform to showcase their art.
Four young artists participated in the Traffic Signal Box (TSB) program in February this year under the mentorship of professional artists, Giovanna da Silva and Blaine Ellis.
For Year 12 Mac Robertson Girls' High student, Wendy Shan, whose artwork adorns the TSB at 15 Clendon Road, Armadale, the program was an opportunity to step out of her comfort zone and create something original.
"I was initially apprehensive to paint in front of so many people on the street, but the encouragement I received from kind strangers fuelled my confidence and made me feel proud for creating art," said Wendy.
"This program also allowed me to meet so many amazing people. I am so thankful for Kate, the organiser of this amazing opportunity and Blaine, my art mentor, who not only taught me how to use spray paint, but also shared with me the meaningful life lessons he learnt as an artist. It was also phenomenal to share creative output with the other talented artists, to see how each person can add their own unique flair.
Wendy's artwork was inspired by her loyal pug Lu Lu. On one side of the box, Lu Lu wears a baseball cap and the other side she wears a yellow dress and appears to be dancing under a rain of flowers.
"Through these two paintings, I hope to transmit an overall positive message to all people passing by, reminding them to take a breath and register the beauty around them," said Wendy.
You can see the most recently painted TSB's here:
- 311 Dandenong Rd, Prahran
- 15 Clendon Rd, Armadale
- 458 Glenferrie Rd, Kooyong
- 613 Toorak Rd, Toorak.
Preventative initiatives such as encouraging street art murals are just one of the ways we are aiming to mitigate anti-social behaviour like graffiti. We'll continue to respond to this challenging issue and partner with neighbouring councils and Victoria Police to find solutions.
Pictured: TSB artist, Wendy Shan.
