Arriving at the Bellflower Retirement Village on Saturday morning, I was greeted with a hive of activity with a huge art market day underway in the main hall. The stares began when, amongst the knitting and craft stalls entered a guy with a crate full of aerosol paint. Although the “graffiti” workshop was fully booked, the misconception of the medium scared many of the participants off. Thoughts of running around and “tagging” the village’s fences ran through the minds of those who braved the early start.
With only 4 people willing to give it ago, we introduced the medium and went through the process of working in reverse on the clear acrylic sheets. Those present were intrigue by the medium and the results that could be achieved. This encouraged them to be more adventurous and develop a design that would work into their colour schemes at home.
As the sound of aerosol being sprayed filled the space, interest in our little workshop grew. Once they saw the work and what the group were achieving, they all wanted to be involved. Our small group grew and grew, with everyone who was watching, then wanting to participate. Four grew into 8, then 12 then 20. The two sessions became one long one with more and more wanting to give it ago. They were all amazed at the medium and what you could do with it.
With a new found appreciation of street art styles the elderly people at The Bellflower had a great time. Three colour works developed into multi coloured designs, complexity grew and they wanted to do a second or third work. Word got around and even younger family members were called in to get involved. If I had more supplies of Perspex, I think we would still be going.
With the free caps, from their gift bags, turned around backwards, the residents of the village and those in the area had a ball being a “graf” painter for a day. From a slow start the aerosol workshop became the hit of the event.
A big “thank you” to everyone who came along and gave it ago. I had a great time and was warmly welcomed and invited back for some more spray painting in the future.
Aerosol on Perspex Workshop
Bellflower Retirement Village – Sippy Downs
24 October 2015
Mark Paddick – Flying Arts Artist
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