This was Seedhead Arts’ first commissioned street art project, created on behalf of Eastside Partnership (Eastside Arts didn't even exist back then). Due to a very tight budget, the piece was created using scaffolding which had been donated rather than a boom lift or scissor lift. This is very time consuming and challenging for the artist, as they are required to remain very close to the wall, and maintaining perspective over a piece this size is difficult. These challenges led artist Hicks to bring local artist Friz in to assist on the piece. The result is such a landmark for East Belfast, even though it was done on a tight budget and was super hard work it was really worth it! 

Four years later when the community garden was established next to this pocket park site, Groundworks requested the existing gable piece be extended, and Friz completed the piece. Hicks has returned to Belfast several times since this piece was created, painting at Hit the North. One of his pieces can still be seen on Church Street.

@ed_hicks