The surprising pleasures one can discover on walks around Surrey Hills. Thank you, Gill for these lovely little pieces and your photos alerting us to the work of this anonymous graffiti artist. A beautiful gift from the creator.
In our Hearts
Gill Bell
On Mother’s Day this year I was strolling along an autumn street in Surrey Hills when I was charmed to see a display created for the occasion.
The chalked image was poignant. There was a large heart surrounded by smaller hearts, but at the heart of them all, nestled in the centre, was the word MUM. Beside the chalk art stood a container of flowers. It bore a message urging us to take a flower for our own beautiful mother, or in her memory. A lovely reminder of the special people (not only mothers) who shape our lives.
Thank you, graffiti artist, for your inspiring words to the community.
Unfinished graffiti
Gill Bell
Recently my attention was once again caught by graffiti on a Surrey Hills pavement, but this message was unfinished.
Without the rain there would be no fl …
Was this an invitation to complain about the recent floods in Queensland. Without the rain there would be no floods?
But no, the message as always was upbeat.
The next day I found the sentence completed. Of course! Without the rain there would be no flowers. Another gentle reminder to appreciate natures gifts, even those which seem inconvenient. And rain is a gift we would really appreciate in our region at the moment.
Gratitude
Gill Bell
GRATITUDE read the large heading of the massage chalked on my local pavement. It was mid-November, just two weeks before American Thanksgiving, so it was a very relevant topic.
WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR TODAY?
CAN WE GET TEN?
A cup of coloured chalks invited passers-by to add their thoughts. People had already listed ten items, so the message on the next area of pavement urged:
COME ON! LET’S KEEP GOING.
The list included precious things which we often take for granted: sunshine, fresh air, health and movement. It celebrated those dearest to us: family, friends, dogs and dads! And then there were some items which truly enrich our lives: music, marshmallow and chocolate!
It was such a simple question but it had brought a range of heartfelt answers. It was a truly inspired reminder that we do indeed have so much to be grateful for. It was also lovely glimpse of the priorities of our neighbours.
And despite the looming Black Friday sales, not one item involved material possessions.
Thank you so much, graffiti artist, for helping us to think about what is important in our lives!
Chalk talk corner
Gill Bell
Over the past weeks there have been more messages from our local graffiti artist, reminding us of the beauty of flowers and of ourselves. Both mention the weather, as is appropriate for Melbourne.
The first is an interactive piece. We are invited to step into the magic circle of sunlight, take a deep breath and tell ourselves that we are beautiful.
The second is decorated with colourful flowers and reminds us that without rain we would have no flowers.
Thank you, graffiti artist. Your work It is an uplifting addition to the streetscape. We enjoy your messages of reassurance and hope.
More Chalk Talk
Gill Bell
Another encouraging message appeared on a Surrey Hills pavement in July. It was the depths of winter and rain was on the way, but the message sparkled with stars and with encouragement.
‘Disco balls are made of broken glass but they still sparkle. That’s you’ it read.
The message was reminding us that even in dark times we can give light to others, precisely because we have been through suffering ourselves. Bravo graffiti artist! Keep up the positive reminders.
A Timely Reminder
Gill Bell
The late autumn graffiti stops me in my tracks. ‘It costs nothing to be kind’. It echoes my husband’s often expressed belief that generosity of spirit costs nothing. It is an important reminder in these times of increasing social isolation and loneliness.
Was this created by the same artist who spelt out the cryptic Latin warning about the Ides of March? (Eastsider News May 2024). But the first artist used sinister skull and crossbones and black shadows to enhance the ominous warning.
Today’s message of spreading kindness is a hopeful one, written in pastel colours and decorated with a rainbow, a heart and sunshine. This new message reminds us that kindness can be a precious gift, but that it costs nothing. Or as the artist might have said in Larin: Benevolentia nihil stat. Kindness costs nothing.
I step carefully around the message and continue on my way.
Gill Bell gives grateful thanks to Cyrus Wong for his Latin expertise.
A cryptic warning – Cave Idus Maritae
Gill Bell
This Latin phrase, beautifully drawn in chalk on the pavement, appeared at the Canterbury Sports Ground in March this year. Most people, including me, rushing to catch a train or heading for the tennis courts, gave it a puzzled look but thought no more about it. It wasn’t until I glanced at the calendar that light dawned. It was 15 March, and the sign was warning us ‘Beware the Ides of March’.
The phrase comes from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, when a soothsayer warned Caesar to beware the fifteenth of Mech. He ignored the warning and was assassinated. This marked a turning point in the history of Rome.
I was charmed that this piece of historical trivia had found its way on to our suburban streets. It carried the whiff of intrigue, of dread and of fateful warnings fulfilled. I found it amazing that two millennia later this date still had an impact.
The present-day 15 March passed without incident, but I wonder what further warnings our local Banksy might have for us. Beware the Eve of Hallows, perhaps, when childish monsters roam our streets?
With memories of Shakespeare and Latin from schooldays.