La Rampa Skate Park, Peru

Client: Otra Cosa Network (Charity)

Role: (Volunteer) Designer, Illustrator, Painter, Project Organiser

Objective: Mural bringing to life the bare walls of La Rampa skate park in the heart of the settlement of Cerrito De La Virgen, Huanchaco, Peru,

The skate park was built as a youth programme to help disadvantaged kids stay away from gangs and violence and give them a safe place to play.

First phase was to meet the kids and talk with them about what they wanted to see, then I asked them to make drawings for me to translate on to the walls. The youngest drew simple faces; the older kids more detailed images, many of them drawing The Heart Milagro which represents love, healing and gratitude. These beautiful sketches formed the foundation of the work.

I assembled a team of fellow travellers to help paint the walls white before I started the mural. The biggest challenge being both the searing heat and covering the incredibly porous brickwork and finish within 2 weeks.