We were delighted to unveil the mural at Sway station this afternoon and to welcome guests from our partner organisations. L to R in the photo above… Jenni Jones (Community Rail Network), Alastair Smith (Leader of Friends of Sway Station), Jenny Tarr (SPUD Works), Ann Moirano (Friends of Sway Station). Cliff Bennett (South Western Railway) and John Goodier (Friends of Sway Station) were also present for the unveiling.
Jenni from the Community Rail Network said, “I’m delighted that Alastair has propelled this project through. It’s wonderful to see public art in Sway.”
This mural celebrates the beauty and diversity of bird life in the local area. It seeks to bring a sense of joy, light, and celebration. The artists feel that the mural celebrates and illuminates Sway’s diverse bird life – from Dartford Warbler to Hobby, Woodlark and Hawfinch.
The theme of birds is also a metaphorical message of freedom and hope. Birds offer a theme of connection. Sway is not a place in isolation, it is connected by its trains, roads and pathways. Birds, too, move from one place to another, reminding us that we are all connected.
The artists have combined to invent a new visual language that celebrates creativity and intuitive mark-making. Spray paint, stencils, household paint, graphite sticks, and stamping have all been used with various techniques to add to the piece’s depth.
Jenny says, “We believe in the power of creativity. So often, public art is only given a home in big, bustling cities, but we argue that it is, if anything, even more important in rural areas. This mural offers a moment of joy in the hecticness of life, a pause to breathe, and a reminder to look up and see the birds. For there, joy awaits.”
Cliff Bennett from South Western railway said, “It’s wonderful to see how the artwork has really brightened up the platform and to see local communities involved in their local stations.
Ann Moirano at FOSS commented on the all year round welcoming environment, “The waving grasses theme that we chose for our nearby planter compliments perfectly the uplifting birds in flight, so beautifully depicted in the new mural.”
The many grateful comments already received from residents and visitors that a cheerful living background does make a difference and shows that it is an important and beneficial part of rail travel today.
About the Artists
JENNY TARR is an illustration-artist based in Bournemouth. Her drawing-based practice is loose and playful, using mixed media to explore people and the landscapes we inhabit. (www.jennytarr.co.uk / @jenniferjennyjen.illustration)
ALLISON JOY SCHULTZ is a multi-disciplinary artist whose practice explores material sensibility and elusive physicality through the process of sculpture and installation-based medium. (www.allisonjoyschultz.com / @allisonjoyschultz)
