If you haven’t already, you must drive by BAC student Isabella’s “Mountaintop Views” art on what was once a rather drab traffic signal box at the Broadwater Road lights near the main entrance to the College. Better yet, hop out of the car and take a closer look! The A Year 12 Visual Arts student has added her creative touch to the Mount Gravatt and Mansfield communities as part of the Artforce Brisbane Project. This Brisbane City Council initiative lights up around 80 intersections each year with vibrant local stories.
Despite the invitation coming during a stressful exam period, Isabella was excited to put her hand up when the chance was offered to BAC students by Artforce Brisbane. Regardless of the additional paperwork and stringent design brief, Isabella embraced the challenge, driven by her passion for public art and the chance to reflect her community’s character on a very visible canvas.
“Through the design process, I was trying to think of something that is iconically Mt Gravatt. I love the Mount Gravatt Lookout, so I decided to incorporate that.”
“Mountaintop Views” captures iconic elements of the Mt Gravatt and Mansfield area. On the front, Isabella painted the famous sunset view from the Mt Gravatt Lookout—a local scene tied closely to her own experiences and affection for the region. On one side, she depicts sunsets from another perspective, while the opposite side she features the winding track leading to the mountain’s summit.
“On the back, I wanted to incorporate the flora and fauna that contrast with the cityscape.”
Her lively, cartoonish renditions of the echidna and Glasswing Butterfly create a playful element visible to students on the Primary campus.
Isabella’s style is bold, bright and approachable, blending strong colours and whimsical forms to ensure the box delights both drivers and pedestrians passing by. As an Artforce participant, Isabella is eligible for a special award recognising her creative achievement. However, for Isabella, the motivation went deeper than potential accolades.
“I’ve always loved street artworks in all forms, and as soon as I knew this was available, I wanted to be involved… to individualise that part of BAC and the community.”
Looking ahead, Isabella plans to pursue a double degree in Arts and Law at QUT, aiming to keep art at the centre of her life’s journey no matter what form it takes. Her intersection mural is a bright addition to Mount Gravatt—and a reflection of the creative energy local people bring to our city.
MOUNTAINTOP VIEWS | Artist Statement
This artwork is a tasteful ode to the many beautiful views experienced from the Mt Gravatt lookout. Mt Gravatt is the perfect combination of architectural cityscapes and native flora and fauna. This artwork depicts the sunset view from the lookout and the pathway up to the summit of the mountain, as well as two of the prominent native species to the area, the echidna and the Glasswing Butterfly.
