I just completed artwork for the fabulous Matilda Motel in Winton, Queensland. Hand painting a double corrugated north facing tin wall was challenging but the mural has given the site a lift and compliments other recent upgrades. Once again it was awesome to see familiar faces and make new friends ensuring an enjoyable experience.
What a special and scenic location on beautiful KOA country, awesome staff and the opportunity to create a mural in the most productive fossil laboratory in the Southern Hemisphere. I have learnt so much and leave inspired by the passion of the tour guides & volunteers. The displays are amazing and I'm still comprehending painting within a few meters of real dinosaur bones being cleaned up in the lab. I enjoyed every moment at Australian Age of Dinosaurs just an epic experience all round.
Another adventure began with a catch up in Blackall with some friends before heading to Winton for a large project. This time I was commissioned to paint two murals and a series of workshops.
Winton is the dinosaur capitol of Australia so a dinosaur mural was a good fit for the laneway between the library and bakery. This theme also referenced previous work on this site by Bill O’Brien who’s hand painted signs I have admired for many years. Incorporating the existing bricks into the artwork created a lot of interest and invited passers by to take a closer look. The large wall demanded decent sized features and I also managed to squeeze in smaller details to create points of interest along the laneway.
The second mural took shape on the local newsagents recently re-clad side wall. This time we focussed on other elements that have played a role in Winton’s recent history. The owners liked the idea of a mandala inspired design incorporating iconic local imagery. Through this consultation and concept develoment process I discovered a story that needed to be told. The owners late father was a well liked local character who built a successful transport business. Alan “Buddo” Grant became a living legend in 1995 when he broke the Guinness World Record for the longest road train. Winton is well known for Banjo Patterson, birthplace of QANTAS and opals which are reflected in many other public art installations and tourist attractions so It became apparent that Buddo’s legacy needed to be the main feature for the mural. I painted the original truck used and the 34 cattle trailers (including 4 fuel trailers) which were used in the amazing feat. Some of the local station brands were also incorporated into the design.
I had an epic time in Winton and can’t thank Winton Shire Council enough for their efforts to make this project happen. The feedback both from the murals and workshops was fantastic and no doubt this is a great example of best practice, where a number of stakeholders enabled positive outcomes. Mac & I are looking forward to next time already!
It was great to be a part of Shockwave 2018 with workshops in Winton and Blackall.
