The Kraken

The Kraken celebrates one of those familiar places that quietly become part of everyday life. Set beneath the evening sky, the kiosk glows against the darkness, offering a brief pause before people continue their walk along the coast. It's a painting about routine, community and the small places that bring people together.

Some places become much more than the buildings themselves.

For many people, The Kraken is simply somewhere to stop for a drink or an ice cream before continuing along the coast. It's a familiar meeting point, a place to pause, and one of those landmarks that quietly becomes woven into everyday routines.

While I was painting this piece, the kiosk was vandalised with graffiti. It was upsetting to see a much-loved local business damaged in such a thoughtless way, particularly while I was trying to celebrate it through a painting.

Thankfully, the damage was cleaned away, and today the kiosk continues to welcome visitors. In a lovely full-circle moment, it now stocks greeting cards of this piece, allowing the artwork to return to the very place that inspired it.

The story didn't end with that painting.

While working on The Kraken, I also created a smaller companion piece titled The Sleeping Kraken. Shortly after sharing it as a work in progress, Sarah's close friend secretly purchased it as a gift for her. After everything the kiosk had been through, it was incredibly special to know the painting had found its perfect home.