Massive mural going up

Australian street artist Steen Jones begins work on the first mural for Cow Lane, organised by the Creative Cows, yesterday. Photos: Tracey Roxburgh

As far as canvases go, a massive wall in central Queenstown is the biggest single flat surface Steen Jones has ever worked on.

Authority Creative director Chris Skyner (left), and street artist Steen Jones, both of Australia, pictured in Cow Lane on Wednesday night.

Within a week, the wall, until late yesterday afternoon painted a shade of bland brown, will be transformed by the highly regarded Australian street artist, using at least 40 litres of acrylic paint, 112 cans of aerosol and a scissor lift.

Last year Jones was one of 19 artists who put forward submissions to the Creative Cows, Raylene McQueen and Sarah Dagg, who are behind the Cow Lane Street Art Project.

His piece, going on the 18m by 7m wall of the building tenanted by Betty's Liquor and Bungalow, is the first selected for the lane.

It was selected by a panel of judges comprising Downtown QT general manager Steve Wilde, Queenstown Lakes District Council arts and events facilitator Jan Maxwell and Andie King, of the Queenstown Arts Centre.

Jones was put forward for the project by former Queenstown resident Chris Skyner, of Authority Creative, who had tried to get a large-scale mural in the resort since about 2013.

"It feels wonderful ...

After years of talking about it, it's finally eventuating with help from the Creative Cows," Mr Skyner said.

The two women first launched the street art project in November 2017 and obtained resource consent for the project - which in time will see the entire lane covered in artwork - last April.

On the eve of the transformation beginning, Mrs Dagg said it was exciting to finally see their idea becoming a reality.

"Everyone we've spoken to is really excited about it - there hasn't been one bad response from anyone."

A concept drawing for the finished piece.

Jones' piece is designed to represent the adventurous side of Queenstown and incorporates the tagline "never settle", which he said he hoped would be a reminder to residents and visitors to stay curious and inspired.