|
The Barnstaple Bypass mural was Mels largest and most challenging public peice yet. The surface of the wall was a massive 4 by 34 meters, and challenging weather, strong channeled winds and co-ordination of a team were new challenges which were faced and conquered in this project.
 |
| Filling stencils |
Starting in late 2007, Mel entered the design of this peice into a competition organised through the arts colleges, to design a mural for a local bypass tunnel. The artwork was intended to beautify the tunnels and discourage grafitti bombers. After a couple of approvals and meetings, it was decided Mels design would be used, and once she travelled to the sight she enthusiastically chose the largest wall with the most natural light.
 |
| Steady Progress |
Work started back in the college with the creation of large full scale stencils, for the main, symmetrical elements of the mural. The paints were then selected, and work formally began on the site on 15th of April 2008.
Mel had the assistance and equipment of ExePaint, a company who usually specialise in grafitti removal. They helped with alot of block colour painting, as well as building structures around the artwork to protect it from the weather. ExePaint would, once the artwork is finished, seal the peice in a graffiti protection film, so graffiti could be easily washed off of the wall without damaging the mural beneath it.
 |
| Painting |
Over the period of a week the peice started to emerge, and a date was set for a media launch of the project. On the 23rd of April, film crews from BBC Spotlight News and ITV Westcountry Live, along with news journalists from the North Devon Journal, and Gazette, arrived to interview Mel and photograph her new mural. BBC Radio Devon and Latern FM also came and interviewed Mel. Alot of media interest was generated by the mural, for both Mel and the Council members who arranged it.
Clippings from the Journal and Gazette are available in the Press Coverage section on the right side of the screen.
 |
| Construction |
The mural was completed and sealed on the 29th of April, 2008. The work still stands strong to this day, thanks in part to the prudent use of a good protective layer over the peice.
Article Written 23 October 2008 |
