Earlier this year, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Gaborone, Botswana, to create two commissioned murals for the renowned whiskey brand Monkey Shoulder. This project was made possible through the efforts of my good friend Justin Cato, who provided the creative brief and support throughout.
I flew into Johannesburg on a Monday morning, eager to meet my colleague Devin from ONE3SEVEN Murals in Randburg. Devin and I have collaborated on several projects, and it’s always a pleasure to work alongside him. We decided to drive from Johannesburg to Gaborone together, which not only made the journey more enjoyable but also ensured we had transportation during our stay. Crossing the border presented a minor challenge due to the quantity of spray cans we were carrying, but Devin’s negotiation skills helped us resolve the issue smoothly.
Upon arrival in Gaborone, we settled into the welcoming Mokolodi Backpackers, a charming accommodation surrounded by nature and staffed with warm hospitality. After a restful evening, we prepared for a busy week ahead.
The first mural presented some difficulty as it coincided with persistent rain. Fortunately, the restaurant staff generously provided a large gazebo, allowing us to continue working despite the weather. We completed the mural in two days and spent the third day creating additional artwork on the restaurant’s walls, which energized us for the next, larger project.
The second mural was located indoors at Two Six Seven, a lovely restaurant with a wall nearly three times the size of the first. We completed this project in two days as well, and the client was very pleased with the result.
We returned to Johannesburg on Saturday morning, satisfied with the successful completion of both murals. I would like to extend my gratitude to Top Murals for this opportunity and to ONE3SEVEN for their invaluable assistance throughout the project.
