Mural inspired by nature

RESIDENTS at Heathcote Health Aged Care watched with interest the painting of a mural in their courtyard.

Artist Melanie Capel was engaged to paint the mural and the residents had input into the design.

The design incorporates birds and elements of the Heathcote landscape.

“I wanted everybody who visits the space to be able to interact with the birds up close,” said Capel.

“The colour palette was inspired by the Heathcote Pink Cliffs reserve and features a rufous whistler, diamond firetail, black swan, a blue wren and a dusky woodswallow.

“I love the interplay between the swan and the firetail preening themselves and I wanted the whole piece to have a warm and welcoming feel about it.

“I have included eucalyptus leaves and orchids, to acknowledge both the native and built gardens that people love.

“I have also included some additional detailing on the larger circles to be slightly reminiscent of doilies and needle work.

“I know a lot of residents will enjoy it and it reminds me of my own grandmother when she went into residential accommodation.”

Capel graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Art (Painting) from RMIT and holds a Masters of Arts Management.

Over the past fifteen years she has developed her practice to incorporate finely detailed oil paintings and large-scale exterior murals.

She likes to use native flora, colour and avian species to activate walls and canvases to draw attention to the fragility and vibrancy of our landscape.

Executive assistant at Heathcote Health, Michelle Chapman, said work on the mural created a lot of interest among residents and staff.

“Each day Melanie was joined by residents who watched as the mural unfolded and staff dropped by to see the progress.

“She has done a wonderful job of enhancing the courtyard and the residents all love it.

“We have also had many calls at our switchboard asking about the mural from people who would like to see it.

“I am sure it will bring a lot of pleasure to many people.”

Resident Bev Grubb, who visited the developing mural each day said she was very impressed.

“It is beautiful,” she said, “and we all love going out to see the beautiful birds.”