The mural created by Leah Sellars on Don and Leven Sts was the favourite of the public who attended the street art event in Invercargill last month.
And the local artist confessed she was still shocked by that.
Just to be asked to be part of the event was already "mind-blowing" and she said she spent months worrying about it, thinking she would not be able to create something as good as her idols.
"I’m feeling very overwhelmed emotionally by it all. I’ve followed these artists and these South Sea Spray exhibitions for the last six years, since they started.
"It was just ... so overwhelming. I cried a lot in front of people that I really look up to. I feel so proud."
Every year, she made sure she took her students to see the art and was involved in the workshops.
"It’s really cool to see both sides of it as well, from the viewer’s point of view, and then seeing the behind-the-scenes, what all those artists go through during the week. It’s very exciting."
Using neon and vibrant colours, Sellars was inspired by her passion for birds to paint her mural.
However, as many native birds had already been used as her inspiration throughout the years, she decided to paint magpies, which she believed were considered by many as villains.
"They’re really intelligent and amazing creatures and people don’t like that they swoop, but usually that’s because they’re protecting the young."
While painting with spray paint was completely new to her, it was not her biggest challenge; she was nervous with the idea of doing her art in the public eye.
"I’m a very socially awkward person despite being a teacher. So I was quite nervous about interacting with not only the public, but these artists that I’ve adored for many years and interacting with them face to face ...
"But every single person that I encountered was just so wonderful and lovely and helpful and sweet and just made me really appreciate all these people so much."
While she enjoyed the experience, Sellars was still unsure if she would be able to be part in the next event due to her teaching commitments, but she felt proud the city where she grew up would now have a piece of her.
"I’m really, really proud. I love my town. I like the small-town vibes about it as well, and it’s just really cool to sort of leave your mark on your hometown."
Event organiser Danny Owen, aka Deow, said the event was a success and the artists loved the Southern hospitality.
He said a mini festival was planned for February and then they had plans to go to Te Anau in December "and do it big".
