Street artist Andrew Davis jokes that people’s first instinct when they see a young person with a spray can is often to call the police.
But four aerosol artists who created a bushfire thank you mural in Springwood last Tuesday received nothing but acclaim for their work.
The artists transformed the stark construction fence surrounding the Springwood Civic Centre redevelopment into a public show of thanks to everyone who has come together following the bushfire crisis. From firefighters to ordinary residents who have donated food and clothing to bushfire appeals, the mural has a simple message: to all our heroes, thanks.
Blue Mountains Street Art Collaborative artists Janne Birkner, Andrew Davis and Giles Fryer came up with the design and, with funding from the council and help from fellow artist Dominic Fryer, spent last Tuesday bringing it to reality.
Former Winmalee High School student Birkner, who now lives in Leichhardt, jumped at the chance to create the public ‘thank you’ in Springwood.
“We’ve had so much positive feedback . . . No-one’s had any negative reaction at all which is so good,” said the 21-year-old.
Giles Fryer returned to Springwood from Sydney’s eastern suburbs to create the mural.
“The Mountains is a small community, but most of the time people keep to themselves and it often takes adversity for everyone to come together — and in this instance [the bushfires] people really came together,” he said.
“This mural is from the youth culture. We’re representing them to say thank you. They’re just as grateful [as everyone else].”
Reaction to the mural on the Gazette’s Facebook page was unanimous. “Way better than a blank white wall and a great way to acknowledge everyone’s hard work and support after recent events!” posted Alice Molony. “Good job!”
