Warrnambool artist Jimmi Buscombe undertakes third WRAD mural

The Warrnambool artist has joined Ricky Schembri and Fiona Clarke in painting WRAD's concrete side wall to reflect the centre's work in alcohol and drug recovery.

Buscombe said the opportunity came about through connecting with the artists.

"I saw Ricky doing his mural and I thought, 'what a great wall to work with'," he said. "Then I came and bought Fiona a coffee and she said I should do one. I emailed my proposal and it all went from there."

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WRAD's mural opportunity was one Buscombe had sought out previously and he was thrilled to begin constructing his piece on April 22.

"I had approached WRAD a few years ago to create a piece for Pick My Project," he said.

"Their idea to fill the wall with local artists is awesome and the wall is such an exposed wall.

"This is a real show piece of local art."

Buscombe designed his mural to reflect the work of Schembri and Clarke to tie the wall together.

"Fiona requested I create a Wylah (Black Cocktoo) for the piece," he said. "So far all the murals flow together; Ricky's Bunji (eagle) looks like it's leaving Fiona's work and my Wylah will look like it's heading into her work.

"I chose the sunset to reflect the orange and blue in the other works.

"And the trees in the negative reflect the removal of habitat."

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WRAD director Geoff Soma said the mural wall was always in the back of his mind.

"We committed to two murals and then Jimmi contacted us for the third," he said. "We plan to apply for funding through Arts Victoria for the next two mural or look to local philanthropic funds.

"We want the wall to promote local art as well as the work of WRAD. The pieces are bright and hopeful and we'll pull it all together with a Rainbow Serpent.

"I think it's really pleasing. It's been an interesting process, when you start with a concept, you have some idea of how it will turn out. The first mural was a long process and through it our ideas evolved and it generated discussions."

Jimmi Buscombe will be putting the finishing touches on his piece throughout the week and is expected to be finished on Thursday.

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