Murwillumbah

I won’t be attending the upcoming Proudfoots Lane Party in Murwillumbah. Whilst the notion “In Murwillumbah” suggests local content I wander into wonder how we have ended up with such nonsense. You may have seen some murals popping up about town funded by the NSW Government’s Community Improvement District (CID) pilot program Murwillumbah CID grant. This project sprouts to be for everyone however in my experience this has not been the case. The project has fallen short in many aspects of project consultation and delivery and is yet another example of a Tweed Shire supported project which has excluded The Sauce Studio.

Since growing up in the Tweed Valley and completing my first mural at the family farm in C. 1989, (and going on to fail art in High School in 1994 in Murwillumbah) I have 25 years professional experience as a full time self employed mural artist and have pioneered many of these types of projects during extensive experience in the community arts sector. Given my dedication to Public Art and murals and ties to the specific locations as detailed and pictured below, It appears either incompetence or exclusionary practices have played a role in this instance. Furthermore, whilst there appears to be some opportunity for local emerging artists, the lack of local content for larger scale works is disappointing. Numerous featured artists commissioned are from outside the area who are described as fresh energy for promotional purposes.

In recent months I was contacted by the event organiser and we discussed workshops and murals. I was informed I would be notified when opportunities to apply were open for murals. I contacted Business Murwillumbah who initially responded and indicated opportunity to work together. I was assured there had been an extensive consultative process prior to my email being blocked and no reply from a follow up web contact from submission on my behalf to maintain communication.

I rented a working studio & gallery space in Proudfoots Lane during 2013/14 where I held 4 solo exhibitions and also created numerous murals in Proudfoots Lane along with facilitating stencil art workshops and participating in community events. I had seen designs, signs and a variety of art commissions throughout the Tweed area come to fruition whilst advocating for Murwillumbah to be a cultural hub. I assert in this instance I have again been overlooked or excluded given my history with the specific area in conjunction with my professional experience with this type of project being second to none.

In a broader context is disappointing Tweed Regional Gallery and M-Arts haven’t supported local mural artists. This coincides with exclusionary practices by local government which continue to drive talent out of the area. For this reason I complete dozens of murals each year across Queensland each year for schools, business, community groups and local government. I used to be local, now I just live in Murwillumbah.

Murwillumbah

It was nice to complete a local commission over the Easter Break. The courtyard mural at Heritage Lodge Murwillumbah compliments the recent upgrades in the outdoor space. A big thanks to the staff who made this project come to fruition and it was great to see the residents utilising the new look area.

Heritage Lodge mural by The Sauce Studio

Murwillumbah

Incase you weren’t aware Murwillumbah was devastated with floods recently. The Tweed Valley will take some time to recover with landslides, bridges, access, vehicles and houses washed away. Earlier this year I was contacted by a local flood affected business to assist with reopening. Flood number 2 then delayed plans…it really hasn’t stopped raining much since the start of summer !

I hope my small contribution assists with some momentum moving closer to an opening date for SFX and Gspot Skate.

Contact the Murwillumbah Recovery Centre for any donations etc. https://www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/council/news-updates/latest-news/media-releases/1321210-recovery-centre-to-open-in-murwillumbah

Tweed Valley

It was a pleasure to transform this bedroom for an upcoming birthday. I enjoyed working with an interior colour called Soft Satin Quarter chosen by the birthday girl. The update was completed by the owners complementing the art with new fixtures and matching linens.

12044A3F-6BDF-4A4D-ABDC-BD714D81959E.jpg
64FFEF11-3740-468A-96CB-81D571EF6F3E.jpg
12044A3F-6BDF-4A4D-ABDC-BD714D81959E.jpg

Murwillumbah

I was recently commissioned to give The Racing Snail Van a fresh coat of paint. With the blessing of a trusting owner allowing me an open brief, I thoroughly enjoyed letting the concept and colour palette evolve. Ensure you give these friendly folk a wave when you see them in Murwillumbah and around the Tweed. Also a huge thanks to Jugs for artistic assistance.

Tweed Valley

On my last adventure I had the pleasure of delivering canvasses to new homes. I haven’t had a lot of time in my Tweed Valley studio this year but have managed to complete some new work between projects interstate.

One of the commissions was on behalf of the community of Aramac who sought a leaving gift for a much loved family. It was challenging to apply to four stepped canvasses but it turned out great capturing everything in the brief and I hope it sparks great memories for the owners.

I also caught up with some friends in the area for some barn shenanigans and live music on pretty much my only day off between woking on new projects…Beers & beats in the barn to sooth the soul for a Sunday session.

IMG_0702.jpg
IMG_0703.jpg
IMG_9282.jpg
IMG_1358.jpg
IMG_1365.jpeg

Murwillumbah

It's been a while between blog posts and unfortunately our internet issues remain...How's your NBN? I responded to my telecommunications experiences with a solo exhibition The Dark Ages and am hoping to launch a new venture in carrier pigeons in the near future.

I've been busy in my studio and have completed a few mural commissions recently. The great team at Greenhills Lodge in Murwillumbah put my skills to good use with two murals for the residents. 

IMG_6233.jpg
IMG_6414.JPG
IMG_6409.jpg
IMG_6410.jpg
IMG_6407.JPG
IMG_6147.JPG
Scan 1 2.jpeg
Scan 2.jpeg