Mural Collective commissioned to provide mentorship for local artist.
Gaada have commissioned Glasgow based Cobalt Collective to provide a ‘Mural Mentorship’ to Shetland artist, Jono Sandilands, as he develops his Welcome Wall Mural commission for Hamnavoe Primary School. Colbalt and Jono’s commissions are part of Gaada’s 2021/22 programme Safeland, which incorporates a collaborative project with our local primary school as it celebrates its 40th year.
In Shetland, opportunities to gain experience painting outdoor murals are few and far between, so when designing this commission, Gaada knew it would be important to incorporate developmental support by connecting our local artist with experienced, practicing “mural mentors”.
With that in mind we reached out to best in the biz Cobalt Collective to mentor Jono and help with practical advice for creating large scale work.
“It’s hard to describe the buzzing of ideas caused by the mentorship by Cobalt Collective. I’m inspired by their approach to making work that includes people as part of the design process.This unique insight has broken down fears about the process of painting a mural that communities can rally behind.It allows me to switch from “I can’t paint a mural” to “I absolutely can paint a mural”. I’m always looking for new ways of learning, through books, online, etc. Nothing compares to this link up of knowledge, supporting me and the project as it develops.The mentoring is a guide, during a crucial time of a project when there is often mounting pressure to deliver an outcome.”
Gaada got to know the ambitious work of Jono Sandilands after became a member of Peer Group in 2020. The Welcome Wall commission was developed as a continuation of the professional practice support that Gaada aims to provide through Peer Group, and follows on from recent commissions by Peer Group members Elie Coutts with Project Ability, and Laura Hughes with Islesborough Drama Group.
Gaada have been in regular contact with Cobalt Collective over the last 6 months whilst they developed a striking mural in Lerwick.
This Mural Mentorship is made possible with support from Creative Scotland.
Colbalt Collective
