Safe Haven Mural by Jono Sandilands
Gaada and Hamnavoe Primary School are delighted to unveil the completed ‘Hamnavoe Safe Haven’ - a permanent welcome wall mural created by Jono Sandilands and the School Bairns on the exterior of Hamnavoe Primary School!
The Safe Haven Mural was created by Jono Sandilands and commissioned by the Hamnavoe School to mark their 40th birthday this year. When the school was built, a large area on the west facing wall of the gym was skimmed with a smooth finish to make space for a mural which never materialised. This space is finally filled with colour and joy - 40 years later!
The Hamnavoe School teamed up with Gaada to create the opportunity for a local artist to expand their artist portfolio and skills through a supported commission opportunity. The selected Artist Jono Sandilands worked virtually with the Primary 5, 6 and 7 bairns and Staffover many weeks to create content that would inspire and contribute to the final design. Part of the developmental support Gaada created for Jono, included one-to-one guidance from established mural artists Cobolt Collective who supported him throughout the steps for designing and creating a large scale outdoor artwork. This project is part of Gaada’s Safeland 2021/22 visual art programme funded by Creative Scotland.
“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.”
The mural represents the school, the bairns and the local area. At the centre of the image is the Fugla Ness lighthouse, its light beams are full of imagery inspired by the bairns. Jono even created a font for the school, made during workshops with the bairns, the font is used to spell the words “SAFE HAVEN” which is what Hamnavoe means in Old Norse and is the school’s motto. Jono came up with several designs and worked closely with the School and Cobolt to finalise a design that was eye catching and importantly, realistic to complete in the time frame Jono had to complete the project.
As well as the benefits of brightening up the school grounds there have been some highlights for this project with the bairns. The P7’s said: “I like the mural because it is colourful. It is really bright. I like the mural we made with Jono the best. It has stuff that the school has, such as the birds and bikes. The boats go with Hamnavoe because we are a fishing island.”
“Our pupils benefited so much from this project. They were so engaged and motivated to work with the designer and loved the workshops and the fresh approach Jono brought to their art and design learning. Parents have reported that pupils are excited about art and are drawing and sketching at home, wanting drawing books, sharing their drawings with friends and family. The Mural is so eye-catching and is so welcoming.
It has been a great experience for everyone involved. ”
“It was an honour to work with the bairns on the Safe Haven project, starting with a series of online workshops. We explored the local environment and dreamt of the future, designing shapes and letters to inspire the mural.
Painting in autumn came with its challenges. The bairns, staff and parents at the school kept my spirits up with words of encouragement. It is heart warming to be able to hear first hand how the community has taken to the artwork. Thanks especially to the painting support group including my family and the mighty Gaada team.”
