By Alesha Capone
Eighteen-year-old Carissa Sarmiento has designed a colourful mural depicting native flora and fauna for the Manor Lakes Central shopping centre.
Ms Sarmiento – who also goes by the artistic name Caleeflower – graduated from Manor Lakes P-12 College last year.
Ms Sarmiento said that when she was in Year 12, the shopping centre’s owners – Ranfurlie Asset Management – approached the college about getting students involved in the mural artwork.
“This opportunity was presented to me in high school by a teacher who believed in me and my artistic potential,” Ms Sarmiento said.
“This came about because of the overwhelming support I received from the art and design team at P – 12 Manor Lakes College.”
The mural will form the backdrop to a children’s rock climbing wall, which will be installed at the centre during the next few months, along with a playground.
Melbourne street artist Salad Bowl, aka Campbell Roberts, has painted Ms Sarmiento’s design onto an external wall at the centre.
Ms Sarmiento said her inspiration for the mural came from her memories of growing up in Manor Lakes, such as the time she saw a kangaroo in her backyard.
“Other components featured – the pair of bottlebrushes and couple of Brolgas – are to acknowledge our country and remind community members of the beautiful Australian culture we prolong, maintain and inherit,” she said.
Grade four students from Manor Lakes P-12 have also designed a mural representing the cultures and countries of the local area, which features in Manor Lakes Central’s parents’ room.
