25 Years

It’s a milestone and time to say a big thanks to all the individuals, businesses, communities, committees and organisations that have made 25 years self employed as a mural artist possible. It seems like yesterday I was leaving school aged 15 to study Illustration, painting and drawing at TAFE. The ethos that art is only a hobby and false narratives such as no one wants to be a drop out saw me get a trade. I quit my job as a motor mechanic the day I completed the apprenticeship to never pick up a spanner again!

My painting journey began in 1994 as an aerosol artist. During the late 90’s I had been increasingly involved with community events, local commissions, growing skills and expanding versatility as a mural artist on weekends. I had also survived a serious car accident and during recovery I had time to think about change, feeling a purpose to create a new chapter and a meaningful life filled with art.

In July 2001 I started my business facilitating youth and community arts projects and taking on a wide variety of mural commissions. There’s been a bunch of successes and challenges along the way however I always enjoy the painting process. It’s also a magical thing to witness the smile on a clients face, knowing I have met the brief and produced something that is mutually beneficial. Iv’e been privileged to see a lot of places, meet some characters and work with the most amazing people. Exhibitions, competitions, demonstrations and commissions with a wide variety of clients from schools to councils, hospitals, hotels, museums, community gardens & nurseries, libraries, motels, aged care, child care, retail, corporate, tourism and sports clubs ensure my work is always varied and interesting.

As always I have a busy schedule ahead so there’s plenty of exciting projects currently in development. I will continue creating art not content, keeping it human, original and handcrafted with love. It is the communities that support The Sauce Studio, making me feel welcome, valuing my expertise and endorsing art for so many reasons that have made the journey one worth celebrating.

Thank you for being a part of my story,

Sauce

Winton

Continuing travels from Emerald, the native flowers were nothing short of stunning from Jericho to Barcy. This trip the journey took me to Winton ready for a productive week ahead. I completed a mural for the new Youth Centre, facilitated stencil art workshops and worked on a couple of signs. Thanks to Winton Shire Council staff for once again being great to work alongside and I genuinely value the opportunity to contribute to a new chapter of the youth centre since creating a sign at the previous one back in 2018.

Roma

As I made my way back towards the coast I completed a commission for Executive Helicopters at their base in Roma. This came together really well on a challenging surface and Ill be sure to swing by next time in Roma to say hi and get some sunny photos.

Thangool

Thangool meaning place of possums is a scenic spot just a few minutes from Biloela and the fabulous Thangool State School has upcoming 100 year celebrations. Thanks to the school staff for prompt and clear communication ensuring the project come to fruition in a limited timeframe during the school holidays. The project was turned around at short notice and only just fitted into my travel schedule but I’m glad we made it happen and everyone is happy with the artwork. Happy 100 Thangool SS.

Mundubbera

It was great to take the role of lead artist in the Stories of Mundubbera community mural. Returning the Wakka Wakka traditional lands for this project which saw new artwork applied to the Newsagency wall situated at the library and art gallery entrance. There were about a dozen artists and community members who contributed during design workshops and participated throughout the painting process.

Working with a number of experienced fine artists and enthusiastic locals ensured a great team effort. A real highlight for me was to work alongside Malcolm Brown Snr.  not only due his passion to paint but also the fact he was involved with the original mural back in 92 ! Furthermore the respect for Mr Brown and his work in the community was nothing short of inspiring.

The positivity amongst locals and visitors alike in the busy main street was infectious so I put all of that energy into the artwork over super productive weeks painting. Thanks for making me feel welcome again, Mundubbera’s hospitality is second to none… the cakes, snacks and coffee was very much appreciated and working alongside the Jaycettes and art gallery representatives made for a well organised project.

Stories of Mundubbera was funded by Mundubbera Jaycettes, supported by North Burnett Regional Council, North Burnett Art Gallery and Mundubbera Enterprise Association.

Emerald

Over the past couple of weeks I had a productive artist in residence with headspace, Emerald. The headspace team and Central Highlands Regional Council libraries program supported stencil art workshops in Emerald, Springsure and Blackwater which saw canvasses created by around 50 participants.

I also applied a mural in the activities room and participated in NAIDOC event in Emerald. It’s fabulous to continue the good work with Anglicares sister agency and work alongside familiar faces and some new team members. Emerald has always had great engagement with community activities and it’s a credit to the staff driving such initiatives.

Tingalpa

It was epic to recently take on a large commission in Tingalpa, Brisbane. I cut my teeth on walls in the area so it was fitting the client wanted a graffiti inspired modern design. There was also added nostalgia talking motorcycles as my first piece was my motorcross racing number and as a youngster I’d completed my motor mechanics apprenticeship literally next door

The 125 SQM mural is a backdrop for the family business office and workshop celebrating their love for art and cherished motor sports collection.

Mural by Sauce in Brisbane, Australia

Chinchilla

No AI, projectors or doodle grids. Just like the craft beer @Charleys Creek Brewery there’s an authenticity to the sign painting. From concept to completion the best things are created by human hands and small family business.

Barcaldine

It was a pleasure to work with Barcaldine Regional Council and Barcaldine State School again. Escaping consistent precipitation on the coast, the weather was fantastic for painting in Outback Queensland. I enjoyed catching up with a bunch of great folk whilst in town and keeping productive on the brushes. The Sand Goanna was definitely a winner being the local champion Rugby League team.

Underwood

I was contacted by the owner of Contrology Pilates to apply some artwork at their new premises in Underwood. The client had a design in mind and was ready to roll so we turned the job around at short notice during the fit out before any equipment was installed.