Two artists inspired by topographical maps have painted a one-of-a-kind mural on Clare’s main street in a region renowned for its wines.

Key points:

  • A topographical map has detailed illustrations of buildings and geographical elements of a landscape
  • The mural is painted on the post office wall at Clare in South Australia
  • Riesling Trail Committee chair Allan Mayfield says the mural is impressive and eye-catching

Clare Valley, about 150 kilometres north of Adelaide, is South Australia’s self-appointed riesling capital.

There’s even a 33-kilometre Riesling Trail on an old rail corridor that takes travellers on a winding tour of the vineyards north of Clare, past the town, and to the southern town of Auburn.

Artist Rosina Possingham grew up in Auburn, and when she heard the local council used a state government Places for People grant to fund a mural, she jumped at the opportunity.

Ms Possingham and Ms Wills spent hours planning what the mural would look like.(

Supplied: Rosina Possingham

)

After all, Ms Possingham had spent her whole life riding, running and walking on the trail.

“I don’t know what life would be without the Riesling Trail. it’s just something I’ve always connected with.

“Getting to walk along [the triail] through winter or summer, all the seasons, seeing the grape vines with their leaves on and changing.”

Laura Wills, left, with Rosina Possingham, says they were excited at the idea of creating a mural with topographical elements.(

Supplied: Rosina Possingham/Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council

)

Creativity comes in twos

Standing beside her throughout the whole process was fellow artist Laura Wills.

She’s known for drawing inspiration from maps and said her interest was influenced by her father, who was a geologist.

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For this mural, Ms Wills used a topographical map of the Riesling Trail, which is a detailed illustration of buildings and geographical elements of a landscape.

“We were really excited with the brief to create a mural that had topographical elements as we’re both working with maps, and then including all the elements about the Clare region so that it really suited and, hopefully, responded to the community in a positive way.”

‘Impressive and eye-catching’

A dedicated group of volunteers spend countless hours maintaining the Riesling Trail.

The mural being attached to the post office wall.(

Supplied: Rosina Possingham/Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council

)

Chair of the management committee, Allan Mayfield’s first impressions were that the mural was “impressive and eye-catching”.

“There are a lot of bright yellows, greens, purples, squiggly lines and contours,” he said.

“It’s got a lot of detail in it, and you could stand there and look at it for a while.”

The mural can be found painted on the wall of the post office on the corner of Ness Street.