Mural makes a big splash at Little Grove

With plenty of time to spare amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a local artist has put her talents to good use and added a splash of colour to the South Coast Progress Association Hall.

Albany’s Ruby Cabarrus has been working away at her first ocean-inspired mural on a water tank at the association’s hall in Little Grove.

Cabarrus’ underwater vision stretches about 10m in length and celebrates some of the region’s much-loved sea-life, including a humpback whale mother and calf, and dolphins.

“I’ve always been a little bit creative and interested in art, but I’ve never done anything like this,” she said.

“I am pretty much just winging it and seeing how it goes.

“I hope that it brings a little bit of colour and joy to the community and all the passersby.”

Cabarrus was inspired by her time in the crystal-clear waters of the Ningaloo Reef, where she has worked as a deckhand and snorkel guide for the past three years.

Now back home to wait out the COVID-19 crisis, she has had time to put the finishing touches on her passion project, which has been a year in the making.

“I have been blessed with the most amazing job in the world,” she said.

“I get to swim with whale sharks and manta rays, humpback whales, tiger sharks and all sorts of animals on the reef up there.

“It has definitely been a big part about where my inspiration comes from, and I have always felt very connected to the ocean.”