FIVE Waterfall artists have created a tourist attraction site at the Waterfall Gardens Retirement home. The 18-metre concrete wall that surrounds the home’s refuse dump is a painted outside scenario with colourful birds and a plantation. The art piece is the work of four ladies under the leadership of Marlene Ayling.
Ayling said that when she heard about the project, she went on a hunt for artists she could work with. “I wasn’t aware of anyone, so I broadcasted that I was looking for these kinds of people, and that is how we crossed paths with these ladies,” she said.
Almut Booth, Christina Morgan, Liz Fitzhenry and Phyllis Hutton are self-taught artists who declared their love for art through the concrete wall.
The ladies said the wall was an enjoyable thing to do. “When we heard about the project, we were excited to put our talents to the test. We each have our own unique styles. We did this project with one purpose: All things bright and beautiful. We did it, and it looks beautiful,” said the ladies.
Ayling said the equipment for the project was donated, and it took them three Saturdays to complete.
“Each lady has their unique style and chose indigenous flowers, birds, reptiles and insects to paint against a mountainous backdrop with mist hovering between the hills,” said Ayling.
The ladies said that not only does their work leave them feeling proud, it is also aesthetically pleasing for the visitors to the retirement home. “The wall has become a talking point in the village, and residents bring their visitors to see the new attraction,” they said.
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The ladies said they are onto planning their next project already. “There is a blank swimming pool wall in our sights to paint with the underwater theme of ‘In an octopus’s garden’. We cannot wait for the completion of this, as well,” they said.
In addition, the garden’s refuse drums dotted around the village are painted with flowers and birds by Ayling.
