Pete Lee, Emerging Mural Artist, shares their Skills-Share Mural Story

I found the skill share an incredible experience. Zabou did a superb job mentoring us and I walked away from this with lots more knowledge, tips and tricks that I will definitely be using in any future projects.

The wall I painted had lots of different surfaces which can be a challenge for painting stencils, but I was pleased I got it as it really pushed me out of my comfort zone, Zabou also taught me some freehand techniques which will definitely help my work to progress in the future.

The whole experience of working together to create something on that scale was amazing, the bit I liked the most was when Hayley came up with the idea to have bits crossing over into the other murals which really helped all the styles to all flow together as one.

Written by Pete Lee, aka Zen Art, an artist from Chelmsford specialising in stencils. He started his journey in 2024 and has been honing his skills in locations across London and Essex.

Pete was selected by Lead Skill-Share Mural Artist, Zabou, as one of three commissioned local artists (alongside Steve Lawes and Hayley Wells) to take part in a unique Skills-Share Mural opportunity. Together they received mentorship and training from Zabou to increase both confidence and skills in creating large-scale public artworks. The completed 4-sided mural sits along Kings Head Walk, Chelmsford, CM2 6FH.

This mural is one of four, co-created with communities across the district of Chelmsford in 2026, as part of Concrete Canvas: Reimagined.

Concrete Canvas: Reimagined is part of the Young Cultural Changemakers Programme, produced by Culture Chelmsford and SPARK!, in collaboration with Chelmsford For You & Concrete Canvas, funded by Arts Council England, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford City Council, Chelmsford College, Chelmsford For You, Great Baddow Parish Council, Mister Gees Foundation and sponsored by Alfreshco, Community RePaint, Thirst Drinks Syndicate and Wickes.