Tauranga Shipping Mural Painting by Darren Burch
I recently came across an archived 2008 newspaper article from Tauranga, New Zealand, originally published in the NZ Herald. It's worth noting that this article has since been removed from public view, after I had shared it on my Instagram account a few years ago. So I'm republishing it again, but this time I have chosen to omit my uncles, Jim Burch, from the narrative for various personal reasons, incase it happens again. I was commissioned to create a substantial mural for my uncle's logistics shipping enterprise company. This project involved the creation of six distinct panels, collectively spanning an approximate working area of 2.4 meters in height and 3 meters in width. The inception of this project dates back to the year 2000 when I journeyed to Tauranga and Mt. Maunganui to meet with Jim and discuss the possibility of crafting this mural for his company, 'Shipping Enterprises Ltd.' I was granted access to their shipping dock and port facilities, where I meticulously captured numerous reference photographs. Upon my return to Auckland, I embarked on the preparatory phase, thanks to the capital infusion provided by Jim and his team. I procured the necessary materials, primarily hardboard cut to precise dimensions, from a local building supply depot. Unfortunately, I was unable to capture comprehensive, full-scale photographs of each individual panel during the creative process. My hope is that, upon a future visit, I will find these murals still proudly on display.
The completion of this extensive collection of oil paintings was a laborious endeavor, spanning four years, culminating in 2004. The journey back to Tauranga to deliver the finished pieces remains an indelible memory. At the time, I was concurrently working as a glass artist for my own company, 'Glass Sandblasting Artists.' I've since learned that my uncle has retired, having sold his business, and is now enjoying his golden years with his family.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to John Borren for his role in publishing the article, as I would not have stumbled upon it without their online platform at that time.
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