Tasmazia International Mural Fest

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It was fantastic to compete in my third consecutive International Mural Fest in Sheffield, Tasmania. People of all ages came to view the paint off in Mural Park over the week long event. The support from visitors and locals provided a great atmosphere which led to an enjoyable and productive week. I drew from inspirations such as Tasmazia and World of Marbles to create a mural titled “Ravenous Machine”. It was great to work amongst the calibre of artists from accross Australia and abroad. To view the nine artists murals check the Mural Fest website as it has all the action from the mini murals, progress shots and much more. Read more

Redlands College

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Earlier this week I visited Redlands College and spent the day delivering a series of talks, discussing career pathway opportunities in the arts and my experiences as a proffessional mural artist. During the lunchbreak I enjoyed the challenge of completing an aerosol art demonstration within a brief timeframe. I really enjoy demonstrations as it allows an opportunity to showcase techniques to a large audience.

Its All a Blur

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I recently contributed to a group mural “25 years of Mural Art in Kentish – A Success Story” . Involving more than Twenty artists, the indoor 3D mural is on display in Sheffield, Tasmania and has been created to commemorate Twenty-five years of murals in the town. Each artist was asked to create a miniature based on what the murals represent to them. My piece is based on my experience winning last years Mural Fest. Titled “It’s All a Blur” I aimed to depict a scene of Mural Park in Sheffield skewing the focus to indicate an almost kaliodscopic view. Drawing on memories of the event it really was a blur of great people, delicious food, amazing artwork, comradery and a totally unexpected success. I hope to update with the whole mural soon.

 

 

Sketches

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It’s been too busy to keep track of my sketchbook lately as I have been preoccupied with back to back murals. The black book is where it all begins, putting pencil to paper and lately I have been chewing through pencils and paper.  Sometimes murals are meticulously planned and other times a rough sketch is an adequate starting point for ideas to elvolve from. I have just uploaded a stack of new sketches comprising some of the design concepts from recent murals. Here’s a taste…

 

 

Mural Fest Media

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Winner !

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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.

Endangered Species

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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.