The power of art in the community with Father Marker

Tyson Savanah, also known by his design alter ego Father Marker, has slowly been gravitating away from markers since we last spoke. The talented artist has shifted his focus to chalk, acrylic paint, digital art, spray paint, and of course his marvellous lantern sculptures.

“I’ve been developing my style and visual language, not consciously, but it comes about by experimenting,” Tyson said. “I want my style to be completely recognisable in whatever medium it is in.”

Tyson strives to craft community-driven murals that reflect the unique cultural aspects of each locality. His work can be found in numerous public spaces, including Blairgowrie Playground, Somerville Skatepark, Mornington Park Primary School, Mornington Community Support Centre, and Bentons Square Community Centre.

His recent community mural project and mentorship with The Salvation Army Youth Services Peninsula saw a mural created at the Kareela Rd shopping strip in Frankston. Here Tyson mentored a group of 11, with ages varying from 15 to 25. Together they brainstormed ideas for a Frankston-style beach scene to link the art to the location.

Tyson was drawn to Frankston’s most controversial figure: Frankie the chrome gnome. His take on this shows Frankie’s revenge against his sculptural successor as he rages wildly through the shallows of Frankston foreshore – King Kong-style – with the sculpture uprooted and in his hands. Upon seeing this quirky approach, his mentee’s creativity flowed, which was so satisfying for Tyson to see as a mentor and reinforced his passion for educating with art and mentorship.

Over the past few years, Tyson has dedicated much of his artistic endeavours to the community, particularly through mural projects that celebrate local life. Among his notable works is the monumental mural he completed for the 1st Mornington Scouts Troop. After years of vandalism plaguing the building, Scout leaders sought to revitalise the space, securing a Mornington Peninsula Shire grant to enlist Tyson's expertise. What emerged was more than just a mural; it was a collaborative effort between Tyson and Eligh, a 15-year-old former Scout. This mentorship opportunity unfolded over seven days, offering Eligh a crash course in large-scale public murals. The result not only transformed the physical landscape but also instilled a renewed sense of pride within the community.

“Art is so powerful,” Tyson said. “Mentoring kids and young adults is very fulfilling. When you watch young people come together to finish the project, they become self-driven. So I try to sit back and relinquish control. I teach the kids, and they teach me a lot too. Having started art as a career later in life, I didn’t have the support or mentorship back then that I now provide to young artists, so this is my chance to give back to the community.”

Tyson was thrilled to be a contender for the 2024 Frankston Big Picture Fest People’s Choice Award, noting that it was great to be shortlisted, so he’ll be applying again next year, as it’s a bucket list item alongside the goal of painting a silo and working on an illustrated children’s book. Recently his attention has also been on his lantern sculptures, where small projects can take up to two weeks, larger projects demand his attention for two months, and repairs are completed regularly. You may have seen his striking creations around, as they’re regularly hired out and are well-travelled from local events at Boneo Discovery Park, The Briars and Arthurs Seat Eagle to White Night Melbourne, up to rural Victoria, on to Sydney Zoo and beyond.

Tyson’s got some exciting projects ready to emerge from that talented marker of his, so watch this space. Take in Tyson’s captivating work on Instagram @father. marker and Facebook @fathermarker