Latest News
Student Dominique Clarke paints mural as part of massive regeneration project
When BA (Hons) Game Arts student, Dominique Clarke, was asked to design and paint a large mural in a local community cafe, she jumped at the chance to get involved.
The mural was done as part of the huge regeneration project going on in the Mount Wise area, in coordination with the Shekinah group.
She was asked to be involved when owners Andrew and Summer put out a call for a local artist to paint a mural that showed a map of the local area.
Dominique spent around three weeks at the deli – a place that provides various training and support for those in need – painting the mural with the help of volunteers. We spoke to Dominique about her experience.
How did you get involved with this project?
I got involved through a friend, she introduced me to Shekinah – a local charity involved in helping ex-offenders, homeless and young people get qualifications and work – who were helping to find an artist to work on the project and do the design for the mural.
What was it like working with the charity?
It was great as they really help people and it was lovely to work for them. I was briefed on the project by them and then the company Mi-Space – who were funding the project – made sure I had everything I needed such as paints and brushes etc.
What made you go for the commission?
Well I like to try different things, it was for charity and I was happy to help. It was also a good opportunity to work on something I had never done before.
Was it a lot of working solo?
For the most part, I had to organise with the client and work closely with him on the design in the beginning. I did have another person working with me, but he dropped out of heading the role so I took on his responsibilities. In the end I worked closely with Michelle from Mi-space, Laura from Shekinah and Andrew who owns the cafe, to get the mural up and finished.
You went for quite a stylised approach,
The style was based on L.S. Lowry’s work, Andrew suggested it and it’s really vibrant so adds a warmth and inviting feel to the place.
How do you feel about the whole experience?
It was difficult, I had to organise most of it myself and I had never done a mural before, so the challenge of taking a picture and putting it onto the wall was an interesting experience. I was also in charge of a group of volunteers on the day and that was something else that I had never done before. But if I was given the chance I would do it again because it was such a great learning experience.
