Local artist pays homage to swimming group

When local artist Vicki Ratcliff was told the old Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club was going to be reconstructed, she wanted to do something special and painted a mural on ‘The Shed’ to say goodbye.

While the artwork was always meant to be temporary, Vicki has now recreated her piece to brighten up the building works at the site.

Vicki is a member of the informal swimming group the Buckettes and has featured a female swimmer in her new piece standing at the edge of Mona Vale pool, ready to dive in.

Vicki said, “The Buckettes started with only a few women more than a decade ago. Now we’re a much larger group with women of all ages, from different walks of life. We might never have crossed paths otherwise but our love for the ocean connects us.

“My fellow swimmers feature a lot in my subject matter. I’m captivated by the morning light and the colours, the feeling you get when you dive in and the beautiful friendships between the women of the group.”

Vicki had such terrific feedback about her temporary piece on ‘The Shed’, that when Council asked if she would like to recreate it at the building works, she jumped at the chance.

“It was lovely to be asked to create an artwork, and while it’s sad to farewell The Shed, we’re looking forward to creating new memories in the new building”, said Vicki.

Vicki’s artwork is on display alongside art at the building works from a bunch of emerging and established artists including Patrick Hunter (Inkhunter), Eve Bracewell, Billy Bain, Vieri Landini, Nina Korgul, Silly Pear, Miguel Gonsalez, and Reubszz.

The art project aims to bring something bright and beautiful to Mona Vale locals and visitors while construction continues.

Due to current stay-at-home orders, please only visit the outdoor artwork if doing essential exercise. Please keep updated with current restrictions via Service NSW's website.