Commissioned by RivelinCo, Zest and Sheffield City council, I was asked to lead a co-designed mural project to transform a graffiti hotspot in the Ponderosa Park into a mural celebrating the unexpectedly diverse nature of the area.
The park is an essential hub for the local area, and is enjoyed by a wide range of users and residents.
Through engaging with several local community groups, I was able to gain input from over 100 people to inform the design, select colour palettes and seek feedback. I worked with: year 5 from Netherthorpe Primary School, the Ponderosa Nature Group, an English language conversation class, the local TARA and the local Youth Club. We also hosted a tea tent with refreshments for the general public in the park. Through art activities, drawing exercises and ideas generation, I gained valuable local insight and references
Following a suggestion from a year 5 student at Netherthorpe, I decided to base the design around a day in the park- starting in the nighttime on the far left, bringing daytime towards the right. The Nature group gave me valuable insight into specific local flora and fauna- particularly medlar flowers (which are a very ancient tree blossom which is specific to the Ponderosa in Sheffield). The conversation class told me that in Persian culture, the daffodil is very important and grow naturally as mountain flowers. The daffodil species found in Britain are descendants from these Persian daffodils. In Iran, they are a symbol of beauty and are celebrated in festivals.
The boiler house, which overlooks the children’s playground, was once an eyesore and target for graffiti, and is now a colourful representation of the natural area and its community who use it.
Thank you to RivelinCo, Zest and Sheffield City council for the opportunity, and for all the community members who engaged with my workshops.
