After completing murals in Emerald, Barcaldine, Aramac and Muttaburra I headed to Cairns. It was great to visit family and complete a large interior commission. I also had the pleasure of collaborating with Mint and Wally who demonstrated some super fresh Far North Queensland graffiti funk.
Since the early 2000’s, I have visited Aramac on numerous tours Central Queensland. I returned in July of this year, when I saw four of my murals at the local school still looking good with the exception of my first creation which had seen better days. I called into Aramac State School on my way between Barcaldine and Muttaburra, and I was in lucky enough find a group of volunteers on the grounds and the Acting Principal in her office on a Saturday. Permission was granted to re-paint the deteriorated space themed mural so I jumped straight to it. Time was limited as I still had some way to travel that afternoon if I was to avoid driving through peak kangaroo traffic after sunset. It was ambitious attempting a 3D piece in a short timeframe with zero planning but the wall called for something special. Hot outback winds were gusting and the sun rays intensified throughout the afternoon. I was happy with the final outcome and the school is so satisfied they have made contact and offered to remunerate me for the artwork which I undertook without any commercial arrangement. The spontaneity of unplanned murals can mean they turn out to be the most memorable experiences.
After a solo exhibition at the Grasslands Galley in Tambo in January and completing murals at the local gym in July I returned to Barcaldine for another large scale mural. This time around Barcaldine Regional Council commissioned a public artwork situated in the main street.
Fresh for 2016.
I completed an artwork at the previous premises in 2011 for the team at StudioStar Photography and my services were called up again to brighten up the new Studio in Surfers Paradise.
I caught up with the Muttaburrasaurus and few locals recently to create a couple of fresh community murals.
It was fantastic to return to Redland Museum to complete mural number five. This time I was given the challenge of creating a backdrop replicating the inside of a printery workshop. I found plenty of inspiration within the display and after some research I put together a concept. The committee made a few suggestions and a second draft was developed to accommodate the refinements and ensure historical accuracy. As always it was a pleasure to compliment all of the staff and volunteers hard work in the museum.
Earlier this year I was contacted by the team at Hamilton Hayes Henderson architects to create a mural on an upcoming project. The brief was to reference the history of the site as the apartment building is located where the original Southport railway station operated until 1964. I explored a few options through the concept development stage and came up with a mandala inspired design as my recommended option. After some minor refinements approval was granted and its was time to get cracking. I tried to harness the energy from the jackhammering, concrete cutting and earthshaking machinery operating nearby. At times I could barely hear myself think on the construction site but the contractors were very accommodating and great to work alongside. This was an exciting project to be involved with as only a few times in my career has a client built a wall with a mural in mind.
I was recently contacted by the principal at Grandchester State School to transform an undercover area with some art. I had a great time working at Grandchester and hope the murals will serve the school community for many years to come.
