Local artist, automata maker and first time Mural Fest Finalist, Shasa Bolton is excited to have been chosen as a Finalist and is looking forward to the opportunity to paint in the company of crowd favourites at this year’s big event.

‘Having been a spectator in the past, this year I feel as if I’m properly becoming acquainted with Mural Fest, identifying with an event that has contributed to creating our community’s identity.’

Shasa will be painting alongside his mum, Jan Rigden Clay, also a first-time Finalist at Mural Fest. Their artistic skills and endurance will be tested as all finalists are subjected to public scrutiny, time constraints and unpredictable weather.

“But that’s not going to deter us. Mural Fest is a great event, a fun event and we’re up for the challenge. We’re going to enjoy every minute of it.”

Shasa enjoys creating surreal trompe L’oeil art that aims to trick the viewer into feeling that they may be viewing something extraordinary in the real world. He generally tries to create imagery that is whimsical and leaves the viewer with positive yet curious thoughts.

Having been involved in the painting of a couple of large-scale public murals in Tasmania and New Zealand, Shasa has also completed many smaller murals within Tasmazia’s model villages. Shasa’s other artistic projects are based around moving robotic sculpture and mechanical toys.

Jan, on the other hand, loves the world of fantasy and intrigue and has collaborated with her son Shasa on many projects over the years.

After completing a Diploma in Fine Art, Jan became a photorealist painter whose paintings have sold around the world. After taking a break to work with hot glass she is now reuniting with the paint brush and experimenting with different art styles.

There is no doubt that talent runs in the family which has put both Shasa and Jan in good stead for ‘Paint Off’ on Monday 7^th November, 9am at Mural Park.