Thanks @city_of_mandurah for the opportunity to add some colour during the Arts Festival! I appreciate the support and positive comments from all of the locals and visitors who stopped by for a chat. The enthusiasm for the artwork (and public art in general) is what makes these types of projects so rewarding. I am honoured to work in the public art realm, connecting with communities. I hope that this mural brings joy and sparks conversation.✨

THE NARRATIVE:
Drawing inspiration initially from the idyllic beachside location, I delved into researching local history. Teena Christon lived and surfed at Miami (now named Falcon Bay) in the 60s. Her parents built and ran the Miami Store located on Falcon Bay in the 60s.

Teena took up surfing at age 12, learning to surf on a secondhand plywood surfboard purchased by her father from a Mandurah hardware store. She competed in WA’s first State Women’s Titles at age 14 and came third. Teena went on to win the next three Women’s Surfing Titles (WA State Women’s Surfing Champion 1965-67) and represent WA at three National surfing Titles. She was the first female surfer to win three consecutive State Women’s Surfing Titles in WA. Given the seemingly sudden and meteoric rise of interest in women’s sport (finally), and working on the official FIFAWWC mural recently, highlighting a pioneering female athlete from the local area seems fitting. 🙌