Artist Ian Daniell wraps up aqua-themed mural in time for Margaret River Region Open Studios
Artist Ian Daniell will hold a pizza party to celebrate the opening of his new studio, but anyone wanting a good look at the mural expert’s latest work just needs to head to the Margaret River Aquatic Centre.
Daniell was this week putting the finishing touches on an eight metre-wide mural capturing the region’s love of the ocean environment featuring a pod of bottlenose dolphins.
“The wall I’ve been painting . . . would fit an adult orca or perhaps a school of fish, but what I thought would be perfect is a life-sized pod of dolphins,” the artist said.
“I wanted to choose something local to the area, and bottlenose dolphins are a creature I see lots of up and down the Cape-to-Cape coastline.
“The pod consists of eight life-size adult dolphins, each measuring around 3.5 metres, and two calves at two metres.”
The work was produced using outdoor acrylics to weather the humid environment and took several weeks to complete.
“I hope the combination of colours I have chosen both compliment and pop against the newly modernised interior of the building, whilst depicting dolphins with elegance and joy,” he said.
“I’m very happy to have finally found a wall big enough to depict a pod of dolphins at life size because they are one of my favourite creatures and close to the hearts of many, I’m sure.”
Shire president Julia Meldrum said Daniell’s mural was the perfect match for the pool.
“Ian’s work was commissioned by the shire as part of the Recreation Centre’s refurbishment project,” she said.
“We felt the dolphins summed up the social, playful vibe of the centre and also reflected our approach to swim lessons.
“It will bring a lot of joy to everyone who comes in for a swim.”
Those interested in a peak at more of the artist’s work were also invited to pop along to his new studio in the Cowaramup light industrial area.
“It’s where I make my work, as well as exhibit my life-size paintings alongside the entire print collection,” he said.
“Open Studios is a great way to see behind the scenes of the art world, and in my case, connect with like-minded people over a shared love of art, oceans or both.
“I look forward to sharing my practice as well as my latest series of paintings, which depict jellyfish and creatures-from-the-deep, and I have a couple of new print releases lined-up too.”
To celebrate the first day of Margaret River Region Open Studios, Daniell was hosting an opening party on September 7 from 4pm.
Bella Napoli’s pizza van would be on-sit, and beverages and music were also on the cards.
The Ian Daniell Art Studio and Gallery could be found at 9 Jersey Street in Cowaramup.
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails