A new mural featuring colourful sea shells by local artist Claire Foxton has been unveiled at Shell Cove’s Waterfront Marina.

Claire was commissioned to paint the mural as part of the 2024 PromenART exhibition.

In June, Claire made media headlines when she painted a 14-metre-high mural of Shellharbour’s Matildas star Caitlin Foord on a wall at Wollongong Central shopping centre, ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Inspiration for her mural at Shell Cove’s Waterfront struck as Claire started laying down her base colours and she decided to continue the nautical theme of the marina. Her love of realism shines through in the vibrant use of colour, shape and form to highlight the shells’ beauty.

Claire grew up in the Illawarra and studied creative arts at the University of Wollongong. After graduating, she worked for the uni as a graphic designer before taking on mural jobs here and there. She fell in love with the physicality and scale of mural painting, and soon started working for herself as an artist and designer.

Claire is now known for large-scale murals, which she has created in Australia, the United States and New Zealand. She is often invited to work at street festivals in Australia and around the world.

Now that she is a mother, Claire is enjoying exploring different things and says that elements of motherhood have been creeping into her smaller pieces.

Love her work? Check out the Old Ambulance Station on Terralong St in Kiama, where a big boat mural pays tribute to the town’s fishing heritage.

Follow @Claire_foxton on Instagram or visit www.clairefoxton.com.au