Somerville Skatepark Mural
Commissioned by Mornington Peninsula Shire | In partnership with Mornington Peninsula Youth Services & Somerville Secondary College (2024)

This community-driven mural was created for the people of Somerville on the Mornington Peninsula, located alongside the newly constructed Somerville Skatepark. Commissioned by Mornington Peninsula Shire through its @ourpeninsula initiative, the project aimed to enrich the local area with a vibrant and meaningful public artwork that spoke directly to the young people who use the space.

As part of the development process, I had the pleasure of working closely with Mornington Peninsula Youth Services and visiting Somerville Secondary College to consult with local students. These young people—many of whom are regulars at the skatepark—played a vital role in shaping the concept. Through workshops and conversations, they expressed a strong desire to see local wildlife represented, a graffiti-style element, references to skating and scooting culture, and a nod to Somerville’s apple-growing heritage.

What emerged from this creative exchange is a dynamic mural that weaves all those themes together into one cohesive piece. Painted entirely with spray paint, the mural challenged me technically, especially as I pushed the limits of fine detail across the unconventional and oddly-shaped wall surface. While there are a few wonky lines in there, I’m proud of the outcome—it reflects both the spirit of the youth involved and the character of the local area.

This mural stands as a colourful, layered tribute to Somerville’s past, present and future—celebrating local identity while giving young people a voice in shaping their public spaces.

Somerville Skatepark

Location: Somerville, Mornington Peninsula

Medium: Spray Paint

Dimensions: 2.6mH x 12mW

Date: September 2023