It was great to work with students at Windaroo Valley SHS engaging an art class with a stencil spraying workshop. I assisted students to apply designs that continue their current art research theme: built vs natural. We discussed and documented the process and I demonstrated some techniques which many of the class applied in their own works. It was great to see a variety of approaches and the standard of work can be attributed to the commitment by students and staff alike.
It was great to return to Iningai country to complete another public art commission in Alpha. This time it was awesome to have the opportunity to work with another artist and good friend Lucy Ann Artistry. This collaboration has been several years in the making since meeting Lucy in her role as an art teacher in Blackall.
We painted and talked visual art non stop with the exception of exchanging numerous motorbike and broken bone stories. We endured extreme heat, rain and wind sometimes all at once but that’s classic outback Queensland conditions. Our dogs Mac & Diesel supervised, overseeing much of the creative process whilst seeking pats from the public and locals alike. I am very much looking forward to working alongside Lucy for future projects growing her mural painting experience and art business knowledge and expanding my portraiture and figurative painting skills.
Several local community members and visitors checked on progress and it was great to receive such positive feedback on the new murals.
The project was supported by Red Ridge Interior Queensland, Alpha District Tourism and Development Association and Barcaldine Regional Council. A special thanks to Louise & Sharon for driving the project. Also Lavina, Lenard & Skowy for making us feel welcome in Alpha.
After a productive school holidays completing murals at 4 schools term 4 has kicked off as busy as ever. It was great to be a part of Livingstone Christian College’s art talent workshop programme last week. I worked with several groups of eager students to explore stencil and aerosol art techniques. It was cool to see students taking part in numerous workshops taking place on campus including special effects make up, battle of the bands and pavement chalk art.
It was great to return to Robina State School and reconnect. I recall painting a mural with students in the early 2000’s as a part of a Gold Coast City Council Youth Arts project. The sports houses mural was completed in 2012 and the Robina Champions in 2016. This time around I was assigned the Tuckshop. I enjoyed the combination of sign painting and mural work which complemented the surrounds.
It was great to work with Burrowes State School in Marsden. Over the holidays I applied a mural to brighten up the Canteen. The brief was to do something colourful and incorporate Mr Responsible and Ms Safety superheroes into the design.
After completing murals at Regents Park State School’s Tuckshop and Uniform Shop earlier this year I recently returned for Book Week. It was a challenge painting the pavement and staircase but the result was well worthwhile. The 10 book titles were voted by the students and it was interesting to note a few classics in there I was familiar with as a youngster.
It was great to return to Upper Mt Gravatt State School after completing quite a few murals around the school grounds over the years. This time I was commissioned to create a backdrop for the newly established Community Garden. I really enjoyed contributing to this initiative as I believe every school should have some form of edible garden. It ties to many subjects and promotes healthy eating amongst an array of beneficial outcomes. Also whilst painting I noticed community members visiting to say hi to the chickens and tend to patches. Many local residents don’t have the space for gardens or animals so these types of spaces are a valuable resource, providing an opportunity that would not otherwise be accessible. A huge thanks to the Upper Mt Gravatt P&C for the opportunity to be involved and I can’t wait to to see the gardens continue to grow.
Last year I camped at Clover Hill Ranch. It’s a scenic campground on Charleys Creek just a few minutes walk from the town centre in Chinchilla. The new owners were gearing up to upgrade facilities and wanted to make a point of difference. This stay I didn’t get a lot of time relaxing by the creek, kayaking or taking my dog for swims and walks amongst the gum trees. My services were required to paint an amenities block and food trailer.
It has been great to contribute to the brand new Aramac Motors. The shed has been transformed inside and out, decked out with the latest equipment to cater for all mechanical repairs. I had the pleasure of completing several hanpainted signs for the exterior, and a couple of murals. I always feel welcomed and relaxed in Aramac, although there was a deadline to meet, wind, piercing sun and rain I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the new beginnings of Aramac Motors.
I also whipped up some new signs for the local White Bull Roadhouse whilst in the area.
It was great to complete my first mural at Rosewood State School over the weekend. The brief was to clearly define the schools tuckshop with bold use of colour. The artwork really transformed the space and generated some fantastic responses from students, staff and the P&C. I am looking forward to creating more murals with Rosewood soon.
