Brisbane Bayside State College

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On Midwinter, I visited Brisbane Bayside State College to facilitate an introductory level workshop for the senior art class and explained the finer points of stencil and aerosol art. We had a five metre wall to work with and in the time frame of a day, we developed a concept, planned a design and applied it to the wall. The students now have a sense of ownership over the space as they chose the wording and concept. Miss Miles was great to work with and I hope the students continually Dare to be Wise. 


Redbank Plains State School

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On Saturday the 16th of June Redbank Plains State School had a working bee where volunteers painted the school and I created a mural on a seven metre wall. The theme of Safe Respectful Learner  was based on the school values.

Camp Quality

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Last week I visited Currimundi to deliver three stencil art workshops for the Senior Sibs Camp Quality Winter Camp. The workshops were well received and the young participants created an excellent array of artworks despite having no previous experience with the medium. I really enjoyed working with these young people and the staff and volunteers were tops too! This type of experience shows me laughter really is the best medicine. 


 

From Way Cool to Way Drab.

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Media Release.

Last week the Capalaba Bus Interchange received a make-under with the removal of the iconic mural featuring a cartoon depiction of the local flora and fauna in the area. The artist who created the aerosol art is more than unhappy with council’s latest addition of corrugated steal and CCTV cameras to the area.

The mural was completed in 2006 by then local artist Christian Griffiths and two other local young people from the area as a method of graffiti prevention. The design elements covered aspects including youthful elements of aerosol art in combination with local flora and fauna to appeal to a wide range of community members. It was featured in a range of documents produced by council including the Annual Report 2005-06, and most recently Our City Our Culture, the ten year cultural plan for the city.

The artist Christian Griffiths, Owner/Operator  and Principle Artist of Aerograffix says “despite actively communicating with both the building owner and council I was not made aware my artwork would be disregarded. The mural was a successful method of graffiti prevention, however it is clear the CCTV cameras and the corrugated steal are ineffective. 

It is not clear why the mural was covered over or why the artist was not consulted about the construction of the corrugated steal, however Christian states “this is now the third artwork of mine existing in Redland City which has been removed or coved which was a legitimate graffiti prevention measure paid for by council”.

 

In Full 3D

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It was great to be invited by the owner of Bay Central Storage to rock out another mural at the business located Wynnum. The 5.2 metre high wall stretches 45 metres in length making it one of my largest works. I spent many hours developing a site spefic design and applied the artwork during recent months between inclement weather. With the rain at bay I was able to get the mural completed working from trestles with a brush in one hand, a spraycan in the other, armed with headphones and museli bars. It is with much excitement I present In Full 3D. 

Capalaba Square

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Today (11/5/12) I was made aware that one of my largest murals was replaced with corrugated steel and security cameras. The initial mural was designed and painted in February 2006 by myself and two other local aerosol artists. The whole process was subject to rigorous control regarding the mural content and the design. This was done to ensure the final outcome would provide a cost effective solution for graffiti prevention in the area and to ensure the then Redland Shire Council and the building owner were satisfied with the aesthetic qualities of the wall. 

I am extremely frustrated by the installation of the cameras and corrugated steel as I was not contacted nor made aware this would be happening at any stage. Specifically with this site I had contacted council a number of times regarding the preservation of the mural as the site had deteriorated and undergone structural maintenance over time. It was also subject to some minor incidences of graffiti, however this is to be expected over the six year period which the artwork existed for in such a location. My discussions with council involved a new design for the area and in late 2010 I was commissioned to paint “New Artwork Coming Soon” which led me to believe I was still in the process of drafting a new mural for the existing site. 

What I find offensive about this process is the lack of adequate communication from council regarding the outcome of this site. The mural has received much support from local community members and has been method of successful graffiti prevention. The council liked it so much it was featured in the Annual Budget for 2005-06 and specified “The incidence of graffiti is reduced in Redland thanks to artwork in public spaces” It was also pictured in Our City Our Culture a  ten year cultural Plan adopted by Redland City Council where it was used to depict a statement about inclusvity of culture and youth. It was also featured in (Un)Commissioned Art an A-Z of Australian Graffiti written by Christine Dew as legitimate piece of public art, defining it as a colourful contribution to the area.  

The most disappointing outcome of this site is the removal of legitimate artwork, which provided colour and a break from the dull and drab monotones of the urban landscape. The artwork was the result of three creative and talented people and with adequate communication from council’s behalf I am sure we could have arrived at a more satisfying outcome for all stakeholders involved. The irony of this, is the removal of artwork which featured a koala. Recent steps taken by council show much support for koalas and public art with the “Environmental Art Project”, focusing on youth and koalas. 

Where to from here? I would much appreciate your support by contacting the local Councilor for the area, Paul Gleeson on: 07 3829 8999. Feel free to leave your comments below as I would like to hear your thoughts on this matter. 

Below are photos of the mural, new design and the now blank wall. I have also included emails from relevant council staff, where I was dicussing the future of the wall to which I am still awiting a reply.

——-Original Message——-
From: Christian Griffiths [mailto:info@aerograffix.com.au] 
Sent: Monday, 22 November 2010 3:44 PM
To: Byron Shreeve; Cr Karen Williams; Alex Mc Connell
Subject: Capalaba Square/Bus interchange mural

Hi all,

                        As you are aware I have been working on a new design to freshen up the Capalaba bus interchange wall. I am keen to present my proposed concept and discuss options for funding and a timeline for installation. I am available late afternoons and would appreciate if you could please advise me of a time that may be suitable to meet.  

kind regards,

Christian Griffiths

Aerograffix - Awesome Aerosol Art
PO Box 372 Capalaba Queensland, 4157
+61 409 068 980

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On 22/11/2010, at 4:07 PM, Byron Shreeve wrote:

Hi Christian

Sounds Great where would you like to meet?.
I can arrange a meeting room here at council if you wish?

I’m available most afternoon myself. I’ll try and work around the others schedules to make it a bit easier to bring together.

If you would like to meet at council, please give me a rough time & date that suits Alex & yourself and I’ll book an available room.
I would like Elise Parups RCC Community Cultural development officer to be invited to this meeting as she may be able to assist with the project by giving some information on how we can access the funds necessary for this project.

Regards
Byron

From: Christian Griffiths <info@aerograffix.com.au>

Date: 10 January 2011 2:49:12 PM AEDT

To: Byron Shreeve <Byron.Shreeve@redland.qld.gov.au>

Cc: Karen Williams <karen.williams@redland.qld.gov.au>, Alex Mc Connell <alexmcc1@bigpond.com>

Subject: Capalaba Bus interchange

Hi Byron, Karen and Alex,

It has come to my attention a tag has appeared on the Capalaba bus interchange mural.  To have any chance of keeping this area tidy I recommend we need to take the following courses of action: 

1: Cut the 2 trees back to a manageable height to allow the mural to be seen, allow lighting to penetrate the site and stop berries dropping on the concrete causing a trip hazard and jamming trolley wheels causing them to scrape the wall.

2: Commence regular aerosol art workshops and education regarding sub-cultural issues in relation to youth and graffiti. Council needs to embrace cultural policy (POL - 2706) stating: “3. nurturing the creative core of community cultural development through providing strategic support for local arts and heritage activities” and “5. providing dedicated public cultural facilities that present professional programs in all art forms that engage diverse audiences and participants and that develop the skills and ideas of local artists” as there is still nowhere for youths to paint legally or engage in legal projects. Furthermore “11. monitoring the diversity and scope of cultural development opportunities in the Redlands to ensure equitable access by people of all ages and locations”  The graffiti management policy also states “7. Providing cultural and developmental opportunities through the engagement of the community in graffiti prevention and diversionary activities and programs.” and “8. Providing guidance to the community on the development of art murals and the management of mural projects.”

3: Allow opportunity for all stakeholders to work together to get this fantastic opportunity for a fresh new artwork happening. Public at policy (POL - 3046) states  ”Encouraging collaborative arrangements between artists and design professionals in the creation and commissioning of public artworks.” but if council officers are not permitted to meet to discuss such projects, it will prove a difficult project to gain adequate support.

4: Pay for works as per agreed timeframe. The maintenance work carried out on the 8th Nov was not paid on time despite several reminders. A late fee was issued and is now also overdue. Aerograffix has previously written to council and successfully applied to be on a 28 day payment schedule. The payment terms agreed for the work undertaken were 30 day as stated on the invoice provided. 

I am more than happy to discuss these points in more detail. A design concept and project proposal have also been developed and I wish to present at the earliest opportunity. Take care and I look forward to working with you on this project during 2011,

 

Christian Griffiths

PS I am again off to Tassie as I have been selected as one of nine finalists in the Sheffield International Mural Fest. Keep you eyes peeled for website updates.

 

Aerograffix - Awesome Aerosol Art

PO Box 372 Capalaba Queensland, 4157

+61 409 068 980 

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From: Christian Griffiths <info@aerograffix.com.au>

Subject: Capalaba Bus interchange

Date: 21 February 2011 1:32:35 PM AEDT

To: Byron Shreeve <Byron.Shreeve@redland.qld.gov.au>, Karen Williams <karen.williams@redland.qld.gov.au>, Alex Mc Connell <alexmcc1@bigpond.com>

Hi Byron,

From the photographs supplied I have reason to believe graffiti removal has been unsuccessfully carried out at the bus interchange mural. I would like to question the reasoning in this measure as I have previously contacted yourself (see communications dated 10th Jan) about this issue with a plan and solution. In future I would appreciate to be contacted before this occurs as as stated in the initial proposal, the use of chemicals and/or a high pressure cleaning device has a damaging effect to the integrity of the artwork. Again as outlined in the proposal, it was noted the wall was not sealed with any anti-graffiti matter, making graffiti removal an inappropriate response. 

I am still willing to meet at your connivence to discuss and present the design concept and proposal to rejuvenate this site. It is clear the intermediate approaches are not a sufficient method dealing with this issue. 

Regards,

Christian Griffiths.

Tasmazia International Mural Fest

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It was fantastic to compete in my third consecutive International Mural Fest in Sheffield, Tasmania. People of all ages came to view the paint off in Mural Park over the week long event. The support from visitors and locals provided a great atmosphere which led to an enjoyable and productive week. I drew from inspirations such as Tasmazia and World of Marbles to create a mural titled “Ravenous Machine”. It was great to work amongst the calibre of artists from accross Australia and abroad. To view the nine artists murals check the Mural Fest website as it has all the action from the mini murals, progress shots and much more. Read more

Christian Competes at International Level.

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Local artist Christian Griffiths is currently in Sheffield, Tasmania competing in Tasmazia’s International Mural Fest. This is his third year as a finalist, and he is currently contesting the title of winner, as last year he won the Judge’s Award category.

Tasmazia’s International Mural Fest attracts over 10,000 visitors to the area and is held annually in Mural Park at Sheffield. The International Mural Fest lasts for one week, starting on Easter Sunday and requires the nine competing finalists to complete one mural. The murals are all 2100mm x

4800mm and the inspiration for the murals are based on a poem. This years poem Food Bowl “The golden bloom of fertility lies on the land/ And feeds us with flavour” was written by Lorraine McNeair and provided the artists with a broad range of ideas to draw from. Christian’s mural Ravenous Machine depicts farming machinery taking over the bucolic landscape.

Christian said he “really enjoyed traveling to Tasmania to compete at the international level. There are some great artists here and it is a privilege to work with the high standard some of my fellow competitors”. Christian began his professional artistic career over a decade ago and hasn’t looked back. The winner will be announced at 3 P.M. Tuesday on the 10th April 2012. His work can be viewed on his website www.aerograffix.com or https://www.facebook.com/ aerograffix

 

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