The Pāpāmoa Sports & Recreation Centre is just a stones throw from my house. My family is there on the regular, playing on the playgrounds, running around on the sports fields and attending birthday parties and events. It's an absolute delight to paint a mural for a location that I already feel such a strong connection to.
This mural project is deeply inspired by the vibrant landscape and the community of Pāpāmoa. This mural is designed to reflect the unique patchwork of our town, symbolizing the diverse yet interconnected nature of Pāpāmoa's people and our surroundings.
The team at Bay Venues wanted to commemorate the venue and it's grounds for their 30th anniversary celebration. The brief itself was tricky, with a lot of references that they wanted to be included:
"Design a mural that celebrates Pāpāmoa, its people and landscape. Pāpāmoa is a haven for many, with a deep connection to mana whenua, the cultural and spiritual heart of Pāpāmoa is strong. The beach, pine trees, Motiti Island, Pāpāmoa Hills, schools, sports, parks and clubs make Pāpāmoa is a bustling and vibrant part of the Bay of Plenty that we want to celebrate."
CLIENT - Pāpāmoa Sports & Recreation Centre and Bay Venues
PAINT - Resene
MY ROLE - Mural concept and painting
THANKS - Creative Bay of Plenty for the artist callout
ASSISTANT - My lovely mum for painting alongside me
The story behind the design
The layout of my design draws on the concept of “patchwork”, which I feel is fitting to capture a variety of local icons and scenes and depict the essence of Pāpāmoa’s cultural and natural beauty. Key elements include the silhouette of Te Rae o Pāpāmoa (Pāpāmoa Hills) and our local tātahi (beach) with Mōtiti Island on the horizon. Both of these landscapes anchor the mural in Pāpāmoa’s stunning geography.
Once my design was selected, we went through a revision process where the Bay Venues panel asked to include more references to the venue, bringing in references to the Centre being a meeting place for a range of people, which is represented by the handshake and the copious amounts of cups of tea and kai that are shared.
The design also celebrates community landmarks such as the Gordon Spratt playground, rugby and soccer fields, local schools, and recreational spots, emphasizing the bustling and lively spirit of our area and people.
Incorporating native birds like the Tui and Piwakawaka, as well as our native harakeke (flax) the iconic pine trees that dot the surrounding reserve's landscape, the mural gives a sense of place and identity. Through this art installation, I also aim to honor the connection to mana whenua and the strong cultural and spiritual heart that defines Pāpāmoa and it’s rich natural heritage.
The Creative Process
My creative process involves a thoughtful exploration of symbols and icons found throughout Pāpāmoa, ensuring that each element gives to a cohesive and dynamic representation of our community. This mural aims to celebrate the everyday moments and landmarks that make Pāpāmoa a haven for its residents. It is a visual celebration of our vibrant area.
See the mural
Go and check out the mural in the reception area of the Pāpāmoa Sports and Recreation Centre, 80 Alice Way, Pāpāmoa.
