Incorporating Art into
Public Spaces
How often do you think of artwork and public toilets in the same sentence?
Do you ever look at the outside of a public toilet building and see a blank canvas?
When we say artwork, we mean original designs that everyone in the community can enjoy and appreciate.
Unless you’ve come across a thoughtfully designed and considered facility, the thought may never have crossed your mind. It may seem like a novel concept to some, but to others all they can see is untapped potential.
The combination of art and public amenities has been increasing in popularity over the last few years, with more communities embracing the opportunity to showcase local artists.
For the Campbelltown community they are lucky enough to have three new facilities complete with their own mural designs by local artists. This project was initiated by Campbelltown City Council who work closely with the community to ensure their public spaces are functional whilst aligning with the community’s values and culture.
The project included three public amenities buildings, each featuring their own distinctive piece of artwork by local designers. These pieces were created by artists from Little Orange studio in Campbelltown.
Campbelltown used local artists from Little Orange Studio, which supports artists who identify as disabled.
The artists involved in this project are part of Little Orange, a working studio based at the Campbelltown Arts Centre. The studio was established as a space for Western Sydney artists who identify with a disability and provides materials, mentorships, business training and access to industry professionals.
Little Orange artists undertake a broad range of practices including drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, and performance and have works displayed in a variety of locations. The purpose of the studio is to support these artists as they launch their careers.
The artists and the process.
Even though each piece was designed by different artists, they all complement each other beautifully. The artists were all given a design brief but were encouraged to visit the site to take in the surroundings and atmosphere.
Each location saw two artists collaborating to create the centrepiece for the facility, six artists in total were given the opportunity to work on the project. Their unique styles and backgrounds shone through in final pieces produced.
“An eye for an eye, swirl for swirl”
By Renee Allara and Jessica Fesic
This piece was created with much consideration, the eye is representative of Renee’s main form of communication as a deaf person. The eye has been a key focus in Renee’s work, in 2019 she covered a room with graphic glaring eyes, including wallpaper and furnishings.
Jessica’s style also exhibits an individual flair incorporating zentangle patterns and psychedelic art.
Jess refers to her technique of swirl patterning as ‘ doodlefying ‘, this process allows her to convey a sense of kinetic energy, whilst Renee’s work encourages visitors to explore the park, looking outward.
Whilst drawing inspiration from very different places, this piece was a true collaboration, resulting in unique patterns which will attract attention to the facility.
“Revalvic Orchestra”
By Richard J Bell and Blake Thomas
Richard is a digital artist that works primarily with collages that showcase his love for his Polynesian culture. The pieces exhibit a combination of patterns resembling Kupesi Polynesian carvings and the Great Ocean and blue skies of Tonga.
Blake’s work focuses on futuristic figures and dystopian cityscapes whilst paying homage to Japanese manga pop culture and animation.
Both artists are storytellers, this piece tells a story of community and connection, using patterns to articulate the festive nature and purpose of the surroundings.
Richard and Blake created this design in the “Festival’ tradition with the intent of representing family gatherings filled with piano music and fun. The piece showcases feelings of celebration, rhythm and energy beautifully complimenting the intent for Rizal Park.
Richard and Blakes individual styles complimented each other and shone through in this piece to create a positive and collaborative energy.
“Eels, greens and other underwater creatures”
By Jessica Pound and Imogen Jade
Jessica and Imogen wanted to create a piece that represented the wildlife seen throughout the park, with a particular focus on birds, eels and sea creatures. Ducks are dominate in the lake within the park, so this landscape played a key role in their designs.
Jessica’s passion for creating her own characters in brightly patterned environments accompanied Imogen’s love for crafting scenes filled with animals and outdoor spaces.
This piece was a true collaboration with both artists having previously created publicly viewed pieces in the way of expansive floor murals and shopfront theatres.
Both styles came together and will now be enjoyed by the Campbelltown community and visitors for many years to come.
The result:
These six artists have taken the natural surrounds, community culture and their own flair to create beautiful pieces that will be enjoyed by local and visitors for many years to come.
We’re looking forward to seeing more communities take inspiration from projects like this one!
