The Brief
We worked together with Lewisham homes residents to bring to life a large artwork with a climate change theme. The artwork was hand-painted onto hoardings where a new building was being built within their community.
The primary goal was to bond with the community and take their minds off the pandemic by bringing a bit of colour to the environment and allowing them to express their unfiltered thoughts on climate change.
Supported by: Higgins Partnership, We Are Lewisham, Brewers Decorator Centres, and Lewisham Homes.
The Process
Over three workshops held in October 2021, participants could learn all about pattern, colour theory and discuss their thoughts and concerns about climate change.
From these discussions, we then formed moodboards, where the participants visualised their thoughts using various colours and prints.
Rose worked closely with the participants and drew together the key themes which could form the basis of the final mural design - ready to paint!
"From someone who was very unsure and extremely anxious about participating in something I’ve never done before, I’m so glad I did. I felt so relaxed and my mind was taken away from the day-to-day issues you would normally face. Those were my few hours, just for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, meeting new people and doing something I have never done or would ever think of being a part of. Looking at the finished artwork, I feel so very proud knowing I was part of that. My family is very proud, knowing MUM was part of it.“
Bibi
Project Participant and Resident
The Outcome
Throughout November and December 2021, the community came together with CCC to paint this 18-metre by 3-metre mural.
This project was able to bring people together during a time that had isolated many. Some had been neighbours for decades without meeting each other and CCC was able to facilitate such positive connections with them. Building lasting bonds and creating a legacy, these neighbours have become firm friends and created new projects together after coming together with these creative workshops and large mural.
About The Design
Learn about the individuals who participated in this project and the thought process behind the design choices for each section of the mural.
Reuben had the idea to include the waves in our artwork and asked to add unique bubbles and stripes within the wave design. Jacob designed the remaining green checks and the blue thick stripes.
Bibi designed the look for "Hope" whilst Evie incorporated the checks into the design.
Ros worked on the stripes in the cloud design. Whilst Danielle designed the patterns in the remaining cloud and the multicolours for the hailstones.
Joanna designed the spot pattern for the mural after learning about the dot repeat in our creative workshops. Vanessa helped design the scales, Chervons, and all-over print patterns within the mountains.
Delilah incorporated her love for the environment through patterns within the plants.
Yewande inspired the sun and worked with Sam to incorporate patterns.
Sebastian designed the chevrons and checks, and Nicole wanted to incorporate the spots within the clouds.
“We are thrilled with the fantastic mural that members of the local community and Rose have created for our site at Mayow Road. It’s great to see the mural reflect everyone’s views on such an important topic as climate change. Seeing the enjoyment and pride that has come from this project shows how rewarding such community-based projects are.”
Amy, Higgins Partnership Staff
