The Unexpected - Wynyard Sensory Garden Mural

So, as life will do what it wants, an unexpected opportunity has landed squarely in my lap.

After some (not so subtle) encouragement from friends and family, I submitted a proposal to the local council here in Wynyard, Tasmania, for a mural on a building on the foreshore.

Submitting my application literally the day before it was due, and giggling as I hit send, I was absolutely gobsmacked when I got a response saying my submission was successful. 😳

With zero mural experience - which I explained clearly in my proposal (yes, I do have many years painting experience, just not quite on this scale), they loved my idea so much, I got the job!

Wha? 😳😆

So, what will I be painting for all the world to see, you ask?

Well, I made it very clear - as much as I love to see them - I won't be doing the usual Tassie devil or Tiger, or even any tulips (which Wynyard is famous for), nor the usual beach and Table Cape scene. All of which, are absolutely beautiful and would probably make more sense considering the location.

Now, as you may well know, I'm a little on the 'different' side when it comes to art.

I always aim to make my art invoke wonder, prompt storytelling and spark conversations around the unusual and the magical ✨️

To encourage folk to see the world through a more imaginative lense and spark the lost childlike wonderment we all used to have.

So with this in mind, I have begun preparations to paint a local flightless bird known locally as the Turbo Chook (Tasmanian Native Hen).

So, as the name suggests, this bird can run, and run at exceptional speed (up to 40km/hr!).

Tasmanian Native Hen - aka The Turbo Chook

It got my creative brain imagining them on a race track, like the bush races.

But, who would the jockeys be??

Well, mischievous goblins and fairies, of course!!

So I have already bought a huge amount of paint, big brushes, rollers, extender thingys, drop sheets, ladders, buckets, you name it. All for the job (honestly!).

So, if you'd like to follow me along on this journey, make sure you hit the follow button over on my Facebook page

(I might even add it to my poor old unused YouTube channel too, for good measure)

This will definitely test me!

I foresee a few tantrums and a bit of questioning of my sanity but, ultimately some growth.

As we all know, growing can be awkward, testing and altogether rather uncomfortable. 😏

Stay tuned!

This will be interesting 😁

~ Tammy

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October 30th 2025

The 1st Wall

The next stage is to get the design up on the wall. Now, in my budget I allowed for a projector (bloody expensive gadget, too). Because I have never worked quite this big, I lacked some confidence in getting the design scaled up correctly and in persepctive. Yikes! Only problem with the projector ("Artograph" to be exact), is it can only be done in low light or complete darkness.

Sigh

I hadn't really thought that through, plus the weather has just been awful if you need to work outdoors!

So, I decided to just START! And basically wing my way through (~no pun intended, haha!) This is usually how I approach a difficult piece - just start! Just get some paint on the wall and make it up as I go - obviously basing decisions loosely (and I mean loosely!) around my concept. Honestly, now in hindsight, I should have trusted my gut and trusted the damn process!

Anyway, I digress. :)

November 6th 2025

Baby Steps (and godamn this wet weather!)

So, moving way slower that I'd like (I am on a deadline here) but at the same time, this is going to be easier than I could have ever imagined. I don't know what I was worried about with painting on this scale - its easy - just use BIGGER BRUSHES - duh!

But now I am stressing because I need at least one dang day with no chance of rain. The sun comes out and the skies are blue, so I go to load up the car. But no, here comes another shower!!

Oh Tassie, I love you but for the love of the Gods!

...Oh well, this is just something I cannot control. So, just go with the flow and wait for the next day for perfect weather.

Check out the video on the texture I am painting on. I did not foresee how straining this would be on my hands and wrists. Talk about repetative strain!

November 14th 2025

Woohoo! A SUNNY DAY!

This was probably the part that I agonised (un-necessarily) over. How to get the chooks up on the wall successfully.

And going back to the part where I said "should have just trusted the process", made all the difference. I thought "just do it like you always do, and use willow charcoal to sketch" but making sure to step back and assess often.

And voila`!

Why do I make things so complicated when 99% of the time - it really isn't?

Anyway... may I present the first Turbo Chooks on the wall.

November 20th 2025

The Creative Process of Bringing Imaginary Creatures to Life.

Yes, I am getting Where's Wally vibes too. Haha!

I'll be honest, I can plan and sketch out these critters until the cows come home. The process of conceptualizing and drafting these fantastical beings is something I can immerse myself in for hours on end. I often find myself surrounded by a flurry of sketches, each one a different iteration of the creature I envision. I meticulously plan out every detail: the style of their garments, the expressions on their faces, the glint in their eyes, and even the colors that will bring them to life. Yet, despite all this preparation and the countless hours spent refining my ideas, I have come to realize that creating exact images of what I originally intended is a challenge that eludes me time and again.

Each time I approached the wall, armed with my paints and brushes, I found that something magical happened. The act of painting becomes a dialogue, a conversation between myself and the materials I worked with. I have learned to just let the creatures appear under my brush, embracing the spontaneity that comes with each stroke. It’s as if the colors and textures have a life of their own, guiding my hand in unexpected directions. There’s a certain freedom in this approach; it allows for the emergence of forms and characteristics that I may not have consciously planned for.

This process is not an exact decision I make; rather, it is an intuitive experience that unfolds organically. I have come to understand that the creatures I create are not solely products of my imagination, but rather collaborations between my vision and the unpredictable nature of the artistic creativity. I have to just let them appear how they wish to be seen, relinquishing control and allowing the essence of these beings to manifest in their own unique way.

In a sense, I am the mere brush holder, nothing more, nothing less. My role is to facilitate the emergence of these creatures, to provide them with a canvas and the tools to express themselves. This realization has been both humbling and liberating. I don’t know how else to explain it; it’s a journey of discovery that often leads to delightful surprises. Each creature that emerges is a testament to the beauty of creativity, an exploration of the unknown that reminds me that art is not just about the final product, but about the process of creation itself.

In this dance of creation, I find joy in the unpredictability, and I cherish the moments when a creature surprises me with its personality or form. The imperfections and unexpected outcomes are what make each piece unique, giving life to the idea that art is a living entity that evolves and grows. Ultimately, it is this willingness to embrace the unknown that enriches my artistic experience, allowing me to connect with my creations on a deeper level.

I think this concludes this wall? I am never really sure. I guess it's done when I don't know what else I need to do to it ;)

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December 4th 2025

The 2nd Wall!

Ok, so with all the wet weather and a deadline extension till the end of December, I spent the time to play around with Wall 2's design on photoshop. I wanted to make sure I didn't 'wing it' as much as I did with Wall 1. Now I am an experience muralist (cough, cough) I wanted to ustilise clear sunny days to their maximum and not waste time (and paint) and rework areas over and over again. Definately not an efficient way to get things done when you're on a deadline.

This was all well and good. I was happy with my design and printed out two copies, one for reference and one to actually use the Artograph for - you know, cause that's how a 'professional' would do it, yeah?

The Inspiration: Table Cape, Wynyard

So, that didn't happen...

...are you surprised? I know I'm not!

I got down to the wall to start and immediately rethought what I needed to do.

.

Being inspired by the scenery on the ocean side of the building, I instantly changed my mind. I could see 100% clearly what I really wanted to do. How could I not be completely inspired to change the design?

I immediately got to work!

Wall 2

This wall got me smiling as I continued to add the creatures and their mounts, each one more rediculous and imaginative than the last. I found myself lost in the process, completely absorbed in the vibrant colors and fantastical designs that sprang to life before my eyes. With every new addition, my amusement grew, and I couldn't help but chuckle at the sheer ridiculousness of the scenes unfolding on the wall.

The creatures, each with their own unique characteristics and charm, seemed to tell a story of their own.

As I added more details, I found myself smiling and shaking my head at the absurdity of it all. The joy of creation was palpable, and I reveled in the freedom to let my imagination run wild.

Wall 2 - complete!

Wall Two

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This was incredibly enjoyable, and it transcended a mere artistic effort; it was a delightful escape into a realm where anything was achievable. The process turned into a joyful adventure, letting me embrace the silliness and explore the playful aspect of my creativity. I couldn't help but imagine how this experience would bring smiles to those who see it, just as it had brought joy to me while creating it.

I hope you find it as delightful as I do and that it inspires stories and imaginations as intended.

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