Neerigen Brook Primary School: A Mural Inspired by the Hearts of Children

Art has always been a bridge between imagination and reality, but this mural project at Neerigen Brook Primary School in Armadale was something truly special. It wasn’t just a painting on a wall—it was a collaboration with the creativity of the school’s children, the wisdom of the staff, and my deep love for storytelling through art.

And what an adventure it was…

The Beginning: Hundreds of Drawings, Endless Inspiration

When I first connected with the school, I wanted to do more than just design a mural for them—I wanted the students to be a part of it. The school introduced me to the children as a traveling artist, and I asked them to create drawings of things they loved about their school—anything that made them proud, that made them feel at home.

What I received was nothing short of magical.

Bright rainbows, detailed sketches of native birds, intricate drawings of flora and fauna, and heartwarming depictions of inclusivity flooded my hands. Even the staff contributed, sharing lists of meaningful elements they felt should be represented. Every stroke of crayon and pencil carried a piece of the school's spirit, and I knew I had my foundation.

Designing the Murals: Bringing Their Vision to Life

With so many ideas, my first step was organizing the artwork into themes. Nature, animals, connection to the land, and inclusivity emerged as the strongest threads. I created two mural combo options:

• A continuous mural spanning across two walls (even though they weren’t side by side). This design wove together the school's beloved animals and tied them into the campus layout.

• A more storytelling-focused mural, bringing to life the school's love for learning and its deep connection to nature and culture.

The second option was chosen, and I was thrilled. This concept would allow me to blend the children’s drawings with two separate stunning visual narrative that represented the school's heart and Australia, as well as celebrating local nature and rainbow colours.

Mural 1: A Rainbow Forest Alive with Native Wildlife

The color palette was carefully chosen to complement the school's floor grids with numbered patterns, creating a cohesive and engaging space for students.

This wall, however, posed challenges. The brick absorbed more paint than expected, and I had to rely on spray cans to ensure full coverage. The lower half had suffered from peeling old paint, so I had to restore it thoroughly before beginning. Despite the hurdles, seeing the mural come to life made it all worth it.

Mural 2: The Magic of Storytelling and Learning

The second mural was a dreamlike scene of storytelling and connection. Against the backdrop of a breathtaking outback sunset, three children sat on an open book—a radiant source of knowledge and imagination.

The glowing pages attracted the attention of curious onlookers—both human and animal. Surrounding them were:

- A magpie and a wedge-tailed eagle soaring above, symbolizing wisdom and guidance.

- A kangaroo and a goanna, staples of the Australian bush, drawn toward the magical energy of the story.

- A young Aboriginal boy, a girl, and another student, representing inclusivity, shared learning, and the power of storytelling to unite us all.

This mural was a tribute to the never-ending cycle of knowledge, respect for culture, and the natural world. It was my hope that this artwork would serve as a daily reminder to students that learning is a lifelong journey—one that connects us across generations, backgrounds, and landscapes.

The Challenges and Triumphs

This project came with its share of challenges—heatwaves, health struggles, and tricky wall surfaces—but I wasn’t alone in tackling them.

My assistant Sveta (Sveta Drobysheva) was an absolute rock, helping me push through when the scorching weather made work difficult. Check her art on her website Sveta d’ Artist and her IG account: link here!

As the school staff returned from their holiday break, I was met with priceless reactions—gasps, smiles, and heartfelt thank-yous. Seeing their joy and knowing that this mural would inspire students for years to come made every obstacle along the way worth it.

I want to extend a huge thank you to the school’s principal, Leslie, for her unwavering support throughout this entire experience. Working on this mural was a privilege, and I couldn’t have asked for a better client.

A Bittersweet Goodbye (For Now!)

This project also marks a major turning point in my journey. It is my last mural project in Australia for a while, as I’ve been accepted into a prestigious traineeship with John Pugh in the USA! Check out this artist marvelous work on his website. Link Here!

For the next three months, I will be immersing myself in upskilling, learning new techniques, and pushing my artistic limits under his guidance. While I will miss working with my incredible clients here in Australia, I can’t wait to return with fresh inspiration, new skills, and even bigger ideas.

Until then, this mural at Neerigen Brook Primary School will remain a beautiful memory of what I love most—creating art that tells stories, celebrates community, and brings people together.

Thank you, Armadale. Thank you, Leslie. Thank you, Neerigen Brook Primary School.

I’ll see you all again soon.

- PJ