Why no penguin mural, Jimmy?

RENOWNED Australian contemporary artist, specialising in large scale public art, including a series of stunning silo murals in the state’s north and west, Jimmy Dvate, has also made his mark on Phillip Island and generally in Bass Coast.

At Churchill Island, Koala Park, the Nobbies and on Connell’s Bakery wall in the Wonthaggi IGA carpark, where there’s a fetching red-crested cockatoo, Australian animals have been regularly featured.

Now he’s back again, this time painting a huge blank canvass on the wall of Panny’s Wonderful World of Chocolate, at the entrance to Phillip Island.

“I should be finished this weekend, weather permitting,” he says with a grin.

Those watching the progress of the mural, in its prominent location, will know Dvate has been battling the elements in the past month, including torrential rain at time, to get the work completed by Christmas.

But that’s the nature of outdoor art, as he’s well aware, starting out as a former graffiti artist in Melbourne’s back lanes and streets, with a graphic design and visual arts degree from Monash University under his belt.

“I’ve probably done over 1000 outdoor paintings and murals now, in every state and overseas, across the 25 years I’ve been doing it.”

And you’ll find an impressive portfolio of his work, in a broad range of settings, on the Internet.

This latest mural depicts a series of native animals you’ll find on the island including a rather cute echidna with piercing eyes, a friendly, relaxed kangaroo and an imposing Cape Barron Goose, but no penguins.

“Why no penguins,” we asked him.

“We had a list of animals we considered including and I suppose it came down to personal preference. I’ve done plenty of penguins before and also lots of hooded plovers and bandicoots and I just wanted to tick off a few others, and this is what we settled on.”

So, despite the challenges of the weather, all the way through the project, the engaging native animal mural at the entrance to Phillip Island looks set to be an instant favourite with visitors and locals.

It may also serve as a reminder about taking care to reduce roadkill on Island roads, and to keep dogs on the leash and away from hooded plovers and other wildlife on the beach and in coastal areas.