While subways are usually thought of as dark and dingy, a Fish Hoek artist has transformed the one in Kalk Bay into a magical underwater world with her murals.
Christine Andrews, a single mother of three, moved to Fish Hoek in January and while she has only been here for a short time, her work can be seen all over Kalk Bay.
“My first wall in Kalk Bay was for a bead shop. I painted beautiful mandalas and a tribal lady holding prayer beads. The next wall was for a Kalk Bay book shop followed by a subway leading to a restaurant,” she said.
Her first commission after moving to Fish Hoek, she said, was by her landlord and she painted pink flamingos with a beach scene in the background. She also painted hummingbirds for a health shop in Fish Hoek
Ms Andrews said she was inspired by nature and her work was meant to bring light into the darkness. “We are surrounded by such beauty, and my murals are there to remind people of the beauty around them,” she said.
Transforming spaces that are dull or neglected into something beautiful “brings new life and fresh energy which gives people hope”, she said.
Both her parents were artists and she was exposed to art from a very early age. “I think I was born an artist,” she said.
Ms Andrews studied to be a silversmith, but apart from making jewellery, she can also paint portraits and murals, create mosaics and do signwriting.
“I believe in life we go through seasons, and it is important that we are flexible to adapt to whatever presents itself. We all have something we can give to have a meaningful participation in life.“
She was commissioned by Brass Bell owner Tony White about a month ago to paint the subway leading to the restaurant as well as the backdrop to the children’s pool. The mural in the subway and children’s pool was painted freehand and the subway mural was completed in four weeks.
“I am so excited and thankful to the community for their support, and I hope to paint the entire Kalk Bay and surrounds – .one wall at a time.”
Mr White said Ms Andrews had transformed the subway into a welcoming place, especially for children.
“As we approach the sea, we are reminded of the beautiful creatures who live therein,” he said.
For more information about Ms Andrews’s work, visit her Facebook page, find her on Instagram or WhatsApp her at 078 313 3174.
