Mural Fest Media

/

Blackall State School

/

Making the most of the recent beautiful weather in Central Queensland I have just completed another project with Blackall State School. During the week I worked with students to build on arts skills and create a few more murals around the school. I wish to thank the principal and PCAP for the opportunity to continue the great work. Also derserving of much gratitude are the staff, students, tuckshop, and the community of Blackall for the ongoing support and commitment to youth art initiatives.

The following are a couple of examples from a busy week.

 

Connectivity

/

Winner of the Judge’s Choice Award The Wilderness Gallery Sheffield International Mural Fest 2011.

Day breaks and the sun begins to warm the concrete jungle. It is easy to ignore the natural environment and focus on a capitalist-centric trajectory. This is an expression of connection and disconnection: an illustration of dissonance among the birdsong. Is nature reconnecting or are the urban elements dominating?

Acrylic and aerosol on boards 4.8m X 2.1m Sheffield, Tasmania. 

Based on the theme poem Power of Community by PB Tewson: 

In the dawn bright with birdsong,

the people rise to watch the world open.

Winner !

/

Fresh from my time in Tasmania, I am pleased to announce I won the judges choice for this year’s International Mural Fest, Sheffield. The week long paint off in Sheffield brings over ten thousand through Mural Park and the Shire of Kentish and is sponsored by The Wilderness Gallery. My work, after much discussion, was chosen for the $6000 prize by the judges based on the three different criteria of technique, originality and interpretation of the theme poem provided. 

It was a real honor to be selected as a finalist as the calibre and experience of the other eight artists is very inspiring. I want to congratulate Kerry and Malcolm Nicholson, of Queensland for the amazing work “The Quilt” which was awarded highly commended. Patricia Smart, of New South Wales, picked up the most public votes during the week winning the peoples choice for “The World Open” and Marc Spijkerbosch, of New Zealand took the 2010 Peoples’ Choice Award for votes during the past year. Please visit the Mural Fest website for pictures of the finished works and artists in action.

I would like to thank my family, friends and fans who offered support throughout the paint off, all of the artists for participation in lengthy networking meetings at the Sheffield Hotel, Jelly Media and all of the sponsors. Most importantly I want to extend my appreciation to the Mural Fest committee and volunteers for everything including fresh mushrooms, spraypaint, transport, accommodation, lammingtons, cups of tea and all of the laughs. Thanks to the community of Sheffield for a great event.

 

“Connectivity” Aerosol and acrylic on boards 4.8m X 2.1m, Mural Park Sheffield Tasmania.

 

 

Mural Fest is sponsored by: The Wilderness Gallery, Slaters Country Store, Kentish Shire Council, The Sheffield Shed, Jelly Media, Lake Barrington Vineyard, Sheffield Hotel, Tasmanian Alkaloids, Targa Tasmania, Tasmazia, Cradle Mountain Candy Company, Southern Cross, Sea FM, Sheffield Cabins, Pioneer Holiday Cabins, IGA Express, Kentish Hills Retreat, AAA Granary Accommodation, Treloar Transport, Barrington General Store, Caltex Sheffield, BJR Chain & Engineering Supplies, Commonwealth Bank, Turnbulls Pharmacy, Highlander Restaurant, Railton Motor & Tyre, Kirtek, Clematis Nursery, Cement Australia, Ibbotts, Skwiz Cafe, Carinya Farm, Mayor Don Thwaites, Sheffield RSL, World of Marbles, Sheffield Newsagency, Aplaca Man, Sheffield Medical Centre, The Don Store and Sup-Ply.

Sheffield International Mural Fest

/

I am excited to once again be selected as a finalist in the Sheffield International Mural Fest. I will compete with eight other mural artists at Mural Park in Sheffield, Tasmania. You can stay in the loop at the Mural Fest website for progress photos, updates and information during the week long paint off. 

Artists enter a miniature based on a theme poem, this years poem is titled “Power of Community” by PB Tewson.

In the dawn bright with birdsong,

the people rise to watch the world open

 

Pretty in Pink

/

There was a good turnout at Springfield for the skate competition despite the precipitation. Competition was fierce with crazy tricks displayed at the Youth Week event. Completing “Pretty in Pink” in record time was challenging but I enjoyed applying acrylic to canvas. Thanks to Goodna Youth Service and all of the volunteers and skaters for the support. 

Endangered Species

/

A new species of koala has emerged in Redland City and the surrounding areas. The new species is related to Phascolarctos cinereus, however the “Urban Koala” has evolved unique characteristics which include the ability to adapt to suburban environments and a resistance to the STD chlamydia which is devastating other species of koala. A rapid increase numbers is evident as the urban koala can be sighted almost anywhere, anytime, often appearing in shopping centres, cinemas and schools. Commissioned studies have indicated the urban koala can be linked with developers, often sighted carrying briefcases full of cash. This new breed does not display noticible differences in physique to its gum tree dwelling counterpart but it has learnt a basic grasp of the english language and can be heard, regularly stammering, “sorry, that’s not my department”. The koala also displays an ability to write policy documents as it has infiltrated a range of government jobs. Despite being one of approximately sixteen thousand threatened species, the urban koala has successfully dominated local media ensuring youth, community, indigenous and other relevant issues are rarely mentioned. Now positioned at the top of the food chain, the urban koala dictates a complete control where all things are regulated and creative ideas are excluded guaranteeing conformity.

Humans are now the endangered species.