As a student walking to Haileybury’s City campus, Ash Tonelli (OH 2022) would often pause, captivated by artists bringing blank walls to life with vibrant colour and creativity. She dreamt of one day doing the same.  

Today, that dream has come true. Ash has transformed a walkway near the Keysborough quadrangle with a stunning, nature-inspired mural — an eye-catching masterpiece that brings calm, colour and creativity to the heart of the School community. 

Purposefully designed to induce a sense of calm in passersby, Ash describes the painting as a meditation, encouraging people to “take a deep breath, slow down and be mindful of ourselves, our surroundings and take a moment to relax in our busy world.” 

Ash says she was initially inspired by the shapes and textures of the bark on the gum trees that she enjoys walking amongst. 

To develop the design, Ash initially took photos and made observational sketches of the gums and bark. After digitising the design, she experimented with making changes to the colours, composition and other design elements. The design was finalised in partnership with Rachelle Rae, Head of Visual Arts, Senior School.  

Looking closely at the mural, there are some small details that you may notice like the subtle colours and shading in the barks of the trees. 

It took Ash approximately 80 hours to hand paint the design at the School with fellow artist Edie Piastri (OH 2023). 

Ash says she enjoyed being back on campus and reconnecting with some of her former teachers. Although she was based at the City campus, where she studied a range of art subjects, she also attended Keysborough for Music Performance classes and drum lessons. 

“It’s been so heart-warming to see all my teachers again,” she says. 

She says her teachers gave her the confidence to pursue her interest in the Arts.  

“All my teachers at Haileybury saw something in me that I didn’t. They inspired me to create and made a safe space for me to do so at school. I didn’t really believe in myself at the time but their support and belief in my creative ability has stayed with me post-graduation and made me who I am as an artist,” she says. 

Ash encourages students who are interested in art and creativity to enjoy the process. “The truest form of creativity is to create with no judgement on yourself. When you create from your soul and take away the expectation that you must make a masterpiece you feel the most gratified with what you are doing,” she says. 

Since graduation, Ash has pursued various creative outlets. She has worked for Apparition Media, a studio that produces hand-painted murals and is currently pursuing her own artistic projects which include creating an organic skincare range.