In a desolate hospital courtyard, a muralist faces a seemingly impossible challenge. Armed only with determination and a paintbrush, he must conjure a world of hope for vulnerable children.
The father of Art and Story Telling…
I first heard his name from Andrew Bourne, founder of the Mosaic Leadership Hub and former training executive at Australia Post. When Andrew spoke of Lynton Allan, he described him as a master storyteller. “When you talk about good storytellers, you haven’t met them all until you meet Lynton,” Andrew said, pausing to reflect on the profound impact Lynton had on his life. The two worked together on numerous training sessions within Australia Post all across Australia.
More that stories …
I finally had the opportunity to meet Lynton and his lovely wife Marjo, over coffee in Melbourne. Within moments of our conversation, it became clear that he truly embodies the art of storytelling. However, it wasn’t just his narrative prowess that captivated me; it was the exploration of his artistic portfolio, particularly the mural at Monash Children’s Hospital, that left an indelible mark on my mind.
A Canvas of Hope: The Monash Children’s Yard Aquatic Mural
Imagine a man standing before an imposing wall, towering nine meters high—a monolith reaching the height of four and a half standard doors. For Lynton, this formidable challenge was merely the backdrop for his artistic vision. With determination etched on his face, he climbed a step ladder, tethering brushes to a twenty-foot pole, each stroke a reflection of his unwavering spirit.
As he painted, the mural blossomed into a breathtaking underwater world, alive with graceful creatures and vibrant blue waters. It became a sanctuary of color and life, a striking contrast to the stark, pale courtyard of the hospital. In every swirl and hue, Lynton infused hope, transforming the desolate space into a realm where dreams swam freely, restoring joy to the hearts of those who gazed upon it.
Conquering Daunting Challenges
This was no ordinary task. Lynton couldn’t use a lift, which would have simplified the work, as such equipment was banned due to safety concerns for the patients. Yet, Lynton found a way. When I asked what drove him to take on this formidable challenge, he replied, “Because I knew what the mural meant for the children of Monash Hospital.” His words resonated with purpose, revealing the powerful role art could play in bringing joy and hope to those who needed it most.
“Murals transcend mere paint on walls; they are mental landmarks, memories that anchor us to the present moment, symbols of familiarity that beckon us home. ” – Sarafina M
A Canvas of Glass
Yet, this was just one of the many challenges that solidifies Lynton as a phenomenal artist. Not only does he paint on walls, but he also transforms glass into canvases. On this particular assignment, he was tasked with painting an internal glass wall of the hospital. The goal was to engage the eyes of waiting patients while creating privacy without blocking natural light.
A portfolio of wins
With over 30 years of experience, Lynton has produced thousands of paintings and shared countless stories. To him, art is a talent turned into a lifelong passion. His mission is to unleash this creativity on a global scale, fully embracing the Life-changing power of art. Now, he embarks on his next chapter, focusing on art and storytelling for mental wellness and community engagement. Curious to learn more about Lynton and his inspiring work? Reach out to him on his profile at The Big Art Shop!
It’s Art and Story time with Lynton!
Through creativity and determination, Lynton brought this project to life, a testament to his unwavering commitment to art. “I enjoy painting murals, but over the years, I’ve gathered many stories, and I would love to share them in immersive art sessions, focusing more on immersive art projects,” he shared passionately.
An Invitation to Collaborate
Lynton is ready to deliver exceptional stories through his artistry, armed with rich experiences and perfected storytelling skills. Despite a busy schedule working with schools and corporate clients, reaching out to engage Lynton’s services through The Big Art Shop could be an opportunity not to be missed.