Sea creatures are beginning to creep along the wall at Shoalstone Seawater Pool, Brixham.
Amateur artist Zoe Curley started creating her hand painted prints of sea creatures since moving down to Torbay 4 years ago. When the first lockdown came about she began ‘Supersizing’ the intricate drawings, adding beach and woodland scenes.
John Brennan of Brixham Future says “Some years ago a plan was laid by the then Board, to deliver several murals over a period of years to establish an eventual Art Trail in Brixham. The project is part of a micro-regeneration strategy which delivers small scale, quick win, low cost projects or events that enhance Brixham, making it a more attractive place to work, reside and visit.
Shoalstone is an attractive venue to display art works in numerous forms as part of the Art Trail and will raise awareness of the need to preserve the pool for future generations as part of our built historic and cultural legacy.
To date we have delivered 6 Murals and hope to deliver 6 more over the coming years. We are trying to incorporate different styles, themes and aspects of our heritage.
The Shoalstone Mural is particularly vulnerable to sea damage but nevertheless is considered worthwhile as will enhance the immediate environment and help promote the pool to a wider audience.
“I saw some of Zoe’s sea life pictures on display at Crafty Cwtch in Middle Street, Brixham and asked her if she would consider working on murals. I was delighted when she told me that she had recently worked on the site hut on Paignton Green opposite the hotel construction site”.
Zoe said “I submitted some ideas to the committee and now winter is over I’m excited to be creating a permanent piece of artwork for the users of Shoalstone Seawater Pool in this special Centenary year. The work should be completed to coincide with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The design idea for the wall has always been flexible; while there are some specified elements to incorporate, I’ve been given a free rein to create and allow the piece to evolve as I go. All the work will be carried out in white acrylic pens of varying sizes. It is the detailing that will make this mural stand out as being a little different.“
Volunteers and the Shoalstone team set about preparing the wall as best they can and finished the base colour just in time for Zoe to start on the wall at Easter. Customers at Shoals and passers-by have already started to show an interest in the project and say they will keep track of the mural’s progress. “I asked one young boy what he would like to see on the wall, after thinking about this he came up with Starfish! So watch this space!”
Zoe aims to be working on the mural at Shoalstone Seawater Pool on Tuesdays and at least one day at weekends and is happy to talk to anyone interested in the project – but bear in mind her deadline is the end of May, so let’s hope the weather is kind!!
You can follow Zoe’s progress on Instagram and Facebook @Blue Waters Art and Glass and at www.shoalstonepool.com