Doncaster artists paint mural alongside River Don to brighten up community

Community art project brings mural to the banks of the River Don.

Natasha Clark, 27, from Cantley has been working as an artist in Doncaster for many years.

Her previous murals include the ‘Thrive’ artwork in the city centre and the iconic ‘Future Past and Present’ next to the train station.

Her newest mural named ‘Guardian’ is located next to the River Don, it can be found down the Trans Pennine Trial in between Balby and Warmsworth.

This artwork was made with her artistic partner Rebecca Feneley, together they make UNFURL.

Natasha told us: “The project was inspired by the nature of the River Don.

“A deer was spotted swimming there last year as well as wild salmon, so we painted them into the mural.

“The guardian in the centre represents water giving life and how important it is to life.”

The mural is designed to look as if a portal has opened up on the wall.

“The area already had graffiti on it,” she continued.

“We wanted to incorporate the art instead of erasing it.

“We were also inspired by folklore from all around the world.”

The ‘Guardian’ mural was funded by The National Lottery, The Arts Council and was in collaboration with Doncaster River Trust.

The mural is on a busy walking path and Natasha hopes it will brighten people‘s days when they pass it by.

“I really hope it brings a sense of presence to people’s day to day lives,” she said.

“I want it to encourage them to stop and look at nature and to get off their phones.”

The mural project was somewhat of a community project. Natasha enlisted the support of the Scout 51 group from Balby.

The children helped with design ideas and spent time learning all about the river and its eco system.

Young artist Kirsty Hodgson took part in the mural as a mentee – Natasha is passionate about helping the next generation of artists to find opportunities.

She said: “The mural world is still a male dominated space and it can be hard to gain experience and opportunities.

“It was great for Kirsty to get some hands-on experience.”

Kirsty said: “Natasha and Rebecca mentored me on the mural process from start to finish. From pitching, to materials to finishing the mural and all of the in-between.

“They were very supportive in answering all my questions and made me feel much more confident in my own practice.

“I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to work with two very talented and professional artists.”

Natasha is keen to paint more murals here in Doncaster – if you know of any spaces she could bring her brilliant art to then please get in touch with her at [email protected] or find her on Instagram here.