Sheffield Pounds Park Mural: Street artist Peachzz begins work on city’s tallest art installation
An art installation is beginning to take shape in Sheffield city centre.
A colourful mural from Sheffield street artist Peachzz has started to take shape on the side of the Cubo building, overlooking Pounds Park.
The striking piece of art is set to be the tallest mural in Sheffield.
Peachzz, whose real name is Megan Russell, said: “This mural is inspired by the canal system around Sheffield. I tend to paint a lot of waterbirds.”
It will depict a kingfisher and heron, with butterflies around them, in her signature bold style.
The 31-year-old, originally from Leicester, is known for her expressive style, with hints of realism and bold colours, appearing on large scale murals around the world.
Megan has been painting for about 10 years, since studying illustration and graphics at Sheffield Hallam, and has been working professionally for around six of those.
She added: “I started painting in Sheffield down in the abandoned buildings, and before I knew it, I was full time.”
The mural has been commissioned to celebrate Sheffield’s Festival of the Outdoors, and along with funding by the Festival, has had support from Sheffield City Council's Heart of the City development and Alexis Krachai, President of the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce.
Work began on the wall on Wednesday (May 29), with the full base completed by the end of Thursday (May 30) and the initial outline expected to appear today (May 31).
It is difficult to predict when it will be finished, as work cannot take place in rain or heavy wind, but it is likely to take a few weeks to complete. She is also hoping the mural will bring some attention to her and Sheffield artist Alastair Flindall’s passion project, Lick of Paint - the city’s first mural and street art festival.
She said: “We are doing little events already in the community. We are getting known to everyone, and finding out what people want”.
Expected to launch fully next year, the festival will see around 20 permanent art installations appear in the city.
Around 40-50 artists, including local and emerging creatives and people from around the world, are expected to be getting involved.