A colourful and uplifting mural depicting the flora and fauna of Forres’s largest green space is expected to be completed by the end of the week
The artwork is being painted on the wall of the building at the eastern end of Grant Park, which houses Mather’s Ice Cream, the Forres Harriers and the council-run toilets.
The artwork is the design of Sathya Schlösser, who also illustrated the book Fantastic Forres, written by her partner Ewen Watson.
Sathya said she came up with the idea to paint a mural, after an urge to get away from her laptop and do something ‘non-digital’. She approached Anna Henderson from Mather’s Ices after doing some design work for her and suggested the wall would make a good canvas for an outdoor frieze.
Artwork comes to life
Anna got permission from Moray Council, discussed a few ideas with Sathya, and just before the weekend they started painting.
By Monday, the design was clearly coming to life, with pictures of deer, pine marten, daffodils, crocuses, bats and many more animals, plants and flowers that can be found around Grant Park.
“I wanted to get away from my laptop inside and go a bit more outside.
“The first idea was that we wanted to make it about ice cream because the ice cream shop’s right next to it. But then we wanted to tie it in a bit more with the nature of Forres and particularly Grant Park.
“We chose some wildflowers that are in the area and animals that live in Grant Park. I love Forres. It’s great, and so close to nature. I think that’s why I love it so much. You just go outside your door and you’re in Grant Park or the woods.
New project
Sathya has volunteered to do the artwork free of charge. Although an accomplished artist and illustrator, it’s the first time she’s tackled anything on this scale, and she admits she didn’t know how it would turn out.
However, it’s getting approving glances all around.
People have all mucked in to help her too. Their friend Dan Druce, Anna and her husband Brett, their children and other friends have come along to put their mark on the mural too.
Sathya said she had great input from the Forres in Bloom ladies, who helped with suggestions of what animals could be seen in Grant Park.
Anna loved the idea when she was approached by Sathya.
She said: “We spoke to the council, and lots of other people that use the park. Forres in Bloom have been very supportive.
“We thought it quite fitting being that we are celebrating the centenary of Grant Park being given to the people of Forres, and that it might be nice to note that in some way with a new feature.
Forres in Bloom
“We did a bit of brainstorming, threw some different ideas around. Then we spoke with Sandra and Diane at Forres in Bloom for reassurance and ideas of the flora and fauna that are here in Grant Park.
“For instance, even though we’ve been here for six years, I had no idea there were bats in Grant Park, which they’re very excited about, and a pine marten as well. That was something that I’ve not been aware of.
“Hopefully it’ll be a nice talking point for visitors as they’re arriving. It’s nice being next to the children’s play park, and that there’s some new focus here.”
Picture: Sathya Schlösser (left) with Anna Henderson. © Marc Hindley
It’s absolutely beautiful. Thank you to all who made it happen.