Graffiti artists can be an elusive bunch - finding an empty space, leaving their mark and disappearing again, all under the shadow of darkness. But for two Northern Southland walls the tag has been completed with the blessing and encouragement of their owners.

Deow, most famous for his giant mural of a young girl on the Kelvin Hotel in Invercargill, was more than happy to take on the challenge of transforming a couple of blank walls in Northern Southland into works of art.

Riversdale Arts society, who have been in existence for nearly 50 years, were keen to see their drab grey building transformed.

The brief they gave him was fairly open.

Riversdale Art Society's recently completed psychedelic tapestry mural. Photo: Jeanna Rodgers

Something bright, colourful and arty, and the resulting image is just that. An abstract image of bright colours and shapes; a psychedelic tapestry, created with over 100 cans of spray paint.

Riversdale Arts President, Kerryn Miller, is more than delighted with the final image.

“It’s bright and arty just like we asked” she said.

Thanks to Creative communities and the Ardlussa Community board for their financial support to get this project moving.

Just up the road, in Lumsden, a very different scene emerges from the white brick wall.

The Kingston Flyer chugs through tussocky landscape watched by a lone Southern Kokako sitting on a branch at the edge of the native bush while other creatures are hidden throughout the mural adding a quirkiness that Deow often puts in his work.

The mural is to be part of a “green space” being created next to the Lumsden Community Nursery.

This space will have trees, seating, a Lilliput Library and information signs to encourage people to come and sit and just enjoy being amongst nature.

Artist Deow adds the finer touches to his Lumsden mural. Photo: Jeanna Rodgers

The Kingston Flyer used to run in these parts and, with the heritage display in the town, was a logical choice to put on the wall.

The Southern Kōkako was believed to be extinct so the recent discovery of bird song has sent all the Reforestation Trust members into a flurry of excitement.

The Southern Kōkako is part of the logo of the Northern Southland Forestation trust, a young trust that has been set up to replant natives around Northern Southland - starting with the creek in Lumsden with the aim of protecting the Gollum Galaxiids, an endangered native fish discovered in the Lumsden creek.

Aided by a grant from Creative Communities and a couple of anonymous local donations, Deow kindly agreed to using some Art students from Northern Southland College to help create the masterpiece.

He certainly has a wonderful ability to relate well to the youth; skills most probably gained during his 9 years running an art course for young adults through the YMCA a few years back.

Deow believes giving rangatahi (young people) ownership of a mural like this can more or less guarantee they will be great kaitiaki (guardians) for years to come.

Deow acts like the students are equals, and treats them as real artists.

“You can’t mess up” is a common phrase that he uses as he reassures them that what they are painting is on track and going to look fine. He uses a mixture of spray painting and brush painting to build the layers that eventually give the painting its depth. “There’s only so much you can do with spray paint,” Deow comments, “then you brush it and suddenly the picture pops out”.

This is very true for the Lumsden mural and locals and visitors alike stop to admire the work as the day progresses.

Deow is happy to chat as he works away bringing the image to life.

He offers little painting tips to the students, adjusting the brush stroke here and showing how to use the different sized spray can heads over there.

He’s had an interesting journey in his life but painting appears to be what has turned things around for him and now he’s keen to give back and encourage others to develop their art talent.

In the pipeline there’s plans to have a street art mural festival in Invercargill at the end of this year so keep an eye out for South Sea Spray Waihopai.

In the meantime, why not take a bit of a trip around Northern Southland to check out the latest two murals, you won’t be disappointed!