Emerald

A quick stop at the BMX wall and some lucky noodle.

Alpha

After almost 3 weeks in Winton I made my way to Alpha and completed menu boards for the Golf Club. It was great to work with familiar faces and contribute to new beginnings and upgrades at the club. I enjoyed the challenge and pretty much just got stuck into it, it was a nice day to be working inside avoiding the cool, gusty outback winds.

As I measured, contemplated options and lay out some sort of plan to fit the menu onto a single design to a prescribed theme, I reflected on my struggles as a child to write any kind of coherent text let alone stay within the confines of the lines. I used to get in trouble for poor writing, I could barely scratch out cursive in high school. Then graffiti changed everything, I developed a love for letters and the desire to explore custom and practice existing fonts.

For a job that I did on the fly with no formal training I am satisfied with the outcome and I relish the opportunity to do more of this kind of work in the future as it seemed to serve the client down to a tee (Pun intended)

Winton

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!

Ormeau

It was great working with the Ormeau State School P&C to transform the schools tuck shop. The Tuckerbox is now equipped with new signs and a fun mural to brighten the space up.

Mt Cotton

It’s great to be commissioned to update one of my first ever paid jobs two decades later. During this time I have completed 12 murals at Mt Cotton State School and observed the school go through many changes, continuing to expand. My artwork and skills have also progressed over the years and each time I return to Mt Cotton there’s an element of nostalgia. It’s fantastic to not only have such a supportive client but to have brightened up the school environment for several generations of students. When you have parents say they remember you painting that wall when they were students you’re either getting old or very experienced at your craft!

Elanora

I recently completed a small wall at a private residence in Elanora, Gold Coast.

Richlands

Back in 2010 I was contracted to paint several large scale murals in Richlands in conjuction with the opening of the Darra to Springfield Transport Network. This one was themed Night & Day and stretches 87m of the motorway and bicycle paths. I was recently provided the opportunity to carry out some re-juvenations, maintenance and additions with thanks to RoadTek Department of Transport and Main Roads for making it happen.

Windaroo

I was kept busy with a few murals last year at Windaroo Valley State High and it was great to apply more new work recently.

Churchill

After completing numerous murals last September at Churchill State School I recently returned for another round. This time we focused on the hall completing artwork on the interior and the Kiss N Ride zone. The exterior was a challenge, not only due to its size and position in full sun but the windows, stairs and hot water unit informed the design to work with these elements as best as possible. I once again thoroughly enjoyed working with Churchill and I will have the Champions jingle in my head for some time!

Regents Park

To quote the words of a student “Without further ado I present to you the Regents Park State School Tuck Shop 2021” A huge thanks to the P & C and school staff who made this project happen. It was great to give the Tuck Shop and Uniform Shop a much needed make over and receive such positive feedback.