In between a bunch of commissions on the go I managed to whip up this little gem on the sunny coast. The client had made contact after seeing my sign painting at The Sandstone Point Hotel and wanted the design applied directly to the brick wall in their newly built, super trendy rumpus room.
I had just enough time to squeeze in a small job with Barcaldine State School. It’s been a few years since I painted the tuck shop and this time it was great to revisit the undercover area poles. I recall these were the first school poles I painted back in 2011 so It’s awesome to give them a fresh coat with a new design all these years later. The pics don’t really do the art justice but 8 poles definitely brightens up the space.
After enjoying my time in Longreach and in awe of the abundant wildlife I headed to Winton. I have completed an array of commissions, youth and community projects over the years. This time around I was slightly unsure of the scope of potential works however an enthusiastic client assured me half the town will be lining up for new signs and this had been somewhat verified by numerous enquiries whilst on tour.
Having admired many of Bill O’Briens local works and very much inspired by Peter Smerdons commercial work across the region I have developed a deep appreciation for authentic hand painted signs. Although I started with custom graffiti lettering and initially shied away from paintbrush and traditional signwriting after I narrowly missed out on the last signwriting apprenticeship with Brisbane City Council in 1996. Back then far from a gift or talent I couldn’t write between the lines during school and struggled with learning difficulties. Its full circle to be enjoying traditional brush lettering more than ever as a late career artist. Its also interesting how digital stickers put an end to much of the sign painting industry and now AI is wreaking havoc to the entire arts sector however in Outback Queensland they sell firearms, cassettes and radios and seek authentic artwork crafted with skill and applied with quality materials to endure the harsh conditions.
A huge shout out to Searles Outback Store, Tattasalls Hotel and the Winton Outback Festival for the opportunity to splash some paint around. It was great to catch up with a stack of locals and I thank all of the tourists who indicated support but refrained from asking stupid questions!
There’s no doubt Winton is a leader when it comes to tourism and events so it was no surprise there were crews filming Travel Guides while I was working in the main street. Councils on the coast should take some notes as the Australian Age of The Dinosaur Museum will be bigger than Dreamworld in the near future. I’m planning to be back in the area in coming weeks to complete a few more commissions because I support the communities that support me, the abundance of blue skies, fresh air and good vibes…oh and a Guinness on tap that’s a winner after a productive days painting!
My next stop was Longreach. It was fab to work with Longreach State High School once again alongside a great art teacher and a good bunch of students. Over a series of workshops the students assisted to create a mural on the new staff room exploring brush, roller and spray techniques. Brolgas and roos kept an eye on us whilst hundred of hawks circled above.
Ive struggled in recent months…its been challenging trying to process the continuation of exclusionary practices and incompetence in regards to public arts projects in my area. My ability to focus has been disrupted for sometime knowing historical connections are overlooked, experience means nothing and anything but local is prioritised despite my substantial efforts locally and expertise in community arts being second to none.
In the wake of witnessing overt nepotism and hideous gentrification hurting my eyes, I decided to get a breath of fresh air and leave the latte sipping, paint by numbers, craft making (craft is the abomination of what could have been art) and oh soo trendy creatives on the coast. I travelled to Central Western Queensland with my first stop in Aramac. I have completed almost 30 murals and a bunch of signs in Aramac over the past couple of decades. Commissions include the local school, bowls club, pub, nursery, cafe, library & information centre, multiple food vans and vehicles, memorial park, mechanic, racecourse and even a 140m long tourism mural for Barcaldine Regional Council.
This time around I was commissioned by the Aramac Ambulance Committee to work some magic with the newly renovated thrift shop. The building has a long history and has undergone a complete transformation whilst retaining most of the original architectural details and character. Its great to tell the story and history of the Aramac Ambulance service alongside the new chapter of the thrift shop building.
Despite inclement cold weather the entire process was enjoyable…no fuss. The committee were flexible with options, trusted my expertise and assisted with research. Committee members and the council area manager came to check out the progress and offer support.
The butcher offered Mac dog a huge lamb shank, the cafe provided free coffee and someone rocked up with a carton of beer to cover the balance owing on a previous job. The sparky working onsite turned out to be a student of an arts workshop I facilitated a decade ago in a neighbouring town. I painted a couple of cars on the fly and lined up numerous possible commissions for the next trip.
Friends, familiar faces and people I don’t think I have ever met greeted me with “Hi Sauce” throughout the duration of my stay. Its with a huge amount of gratitude I thank Aramac for once again making me feel welcome and all the great chats, proving that community is still alive…just what I needed. I am looking forward to the store re-opening soon and feel proud to be a part of the new Ambulance Thrift Shop journey.
It was great to be busy on the brushes at Capalaba State College recently. I enjoyed applying artwork for Piranhas Amateur Swimming Club located on the junior campus. Thanks to the P&C for reaching out and enthusiasm throughout the process.
I stopped by Charleys Creek Brewery in Chinchilla to complete some more hand painted signage recently. The place is bustling with patrons searching for photo opportunities so I took care of some much needed signs and custom artworks. There’s also a bunch on new beers on tap and live music each weekend.
After delays from cyclones and floods I finally made it back to Mutttaburra, Centre of Queensland. This time I installed a mural for the Dr Arratta Museum display. I began work on the panels in my studio over summer and had a challenging time due to the paint not drying in consistently moist weather on the coast. Completing the panels once installed onsite in outback Queensland to experience the issue of the paint drying before I could get it off the brush in super dry conditions! Despite delays and challenges i’m happy with how it turned out and compliments the space. If you’ve never been to the Centre of Queensland it’s a special place where dinosaurs once roamed, on the land on Iningai peoples and the rivers meet. There’s also plenty of cool fresh air and hot artesian bore water in winter and friendly locals all year round.
It was great to return to Leichhardt State School in Ipswich this week. This time I completed a mural in the multipurpose centre working alongside the fabulous PBL (positive Behaviour Learning) team. It’s great to see students embrace the school mascot Leo the lion and offer positive feedback towards the new art.
It was great to be back in the Redlands and complete a mural with Alexandra Hills State Primary School who are currently celebrating their 50th anniversary. I was assigned the task of creating an artwork which included the schools new logo and a large amount of hand painted signage. I enjoyed the challenge and have no doubt the artwork will serve for many years to come. Thanks to the staff for making this come to fruition and enthusiasm throughout the project.
Handcrafted Artwork Since 94 - The Sauce Studio
Mural Artist - School Murals - Sign Painter - Public Art
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