Muchas gracias amigos. It was a pleasure to complete this commission (design supplied by client) at the soon to open Coyote’s Cantina in Murwillumbah. Located behind the Courthouse Hotel with access via Proudfoots lane, I can’t wait to taste some tacos and enjoy a cold beer at Murbah’s new Mexican restaurant and bar.
It was great to head back to Cairns and hang out with family in-between commissions…I almost forgot about work for a brief moment soaking up everything the FNQ experience can offer! However I also had an exciting project lined up with the fabulous crew at Cairns & Hinterland Health Service at Cairns base hospital.
The commission entailed of artwork in the Respiratory and Renal Recovery ward in an area frequented by patients, staff and visitors. The chosen design encapsulated a serene vista of the esplanade and local surrounds, homely elements and incorporated the existing railing into the design.
The feedback was great throughout the application process and each day I remained in awe of the medical staff who do such an amazing job. As a contractor I witnessed similarities to working in the education system where staff are genuinely caring, professional and focused on positive outcomes. There was even a patient and carer who regularly checked the progress and were bitter sweet about going home before the mural was completed.
A big thanks goes our to the staff who saw this project come to fruition and I hope the artwork brightens everyones day in the ward.
Despite searing 43 Degree temperatures it was great to return to Winton and install new bottle shop signs at the famous Tatts Hotel. From designing a custom font, applying the artwork and installing it was a satisfying experience and I’m genuinely enjoying sign painting as theres plenty of inspiration in towns like Winton. After heading to Cairns I returned to complete another traditional hand painted sign for Searles Outback Store. The Searles commission will always be a memorable one since a change in the weather saw oppressively hot temps replaced with mud but also because this was my first foray using oil based 1shot enamel paints.
After a short time in my studio painting signs for a hotel and an outback store and trying to keep up with a busy schedule of quotes and designs I ventured to Manly west to complete a project that has been in the works for some time. September school holidays came around fast but it has been a real pleasure to work with Wondall Heights P&C assoc.
Transforming Wondall Heights State School’s tuckshop and uniform shop from dull bare brick with cool ideas from students was an enjoyable process. I channeled the enthusiasm from all of the fantastic comments throughout the painting process into the artwork.
It sparked a bit of nostalgia being in the area again remembering family members, where I started learning my craft, completed an apprenticeship and began my professional career. Also one of the OHSC staff members turned out to be client from 25 years ago…I had to seriously jog my memory to recall those murals as they were pre digital camera era!!!
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.
Handcrafted Artwork Since 94 - The Sauce Studio
Mural Artist - School Murals - Sign Painter - Public Art
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