Blackall

Braving 37 degree temps for much of the week is was great to be back in Blackall. This time I had the opportunity to work with Blackall Historical Woolscour which is home to the last working steam powered facility of its type. The woolscour has seen numerous of upgrades over summer and tour guides are gearing up for a busy tourist season ahead.

I enjoyed working with awesome locals, Ros and the team at the scour are driving fantastic projects to benefit the community and the visitor experience. During the painting process I  learnt a fair amount about local history and their knowledge of horse anatomy and wool transport was invaluable to ensuring accuracy. A big thanks to Blackall State School and St Josephs for their involvement in the art making process.

Featured in the image is George Gill (1884-1961) with horses and a local wool wagon. We also applied some of the original hand cut steel wool bale stencils which likely date back to the 1930s/40s.

Handmade tin stencils from as far back as 1930’s & 40’s

Blackall

It was great to be back in Blackall. This time I was kept busy painting local facilities prior to the upcoming Better In Blackall Festival. I took on a challenging design considering the rough bricks but really satisfied with the result and copious amounts of positive feedback offered from locals and travellers. It was made possible by the support of the RADF, Flying Arts Alliance, Blackall Tambo Regional Council and with the assistance of Lucy Ann Artistry and a bunch of locals.

Blackall

One of the reasons I love travelling the Queensland outback is the abundance of inspiration for art. Arid landscapes that chase a never ending horizon, the vibrant colours of sunset, reflections in waterholes are all things of great natural beauty and leave their mark as memories whilst solidifying a connection to the land.

During my most recent trip to the outback I captured a bunch of interesting photos. This setting not far from Blackall may be relatable to many in the bush. A storm brewing afar while the glow of afternoon sun saturates a nearby paddock.  

Since returning to my studio, in between other commissions and side projects Iv’e been working on a series of new fine art. The new body of work is based on original photographs from my travels. I had to postpone my plans for a solo exhibition the past two years because of a global pandemic, maybe next year who knows I’m just enjoying pushing some paints on the canvas in the meantime.

I have entered this oil on canvas titled Tumbar Road Blackall into this years Blackall Annual Art Exhibition. 91.4cm x 45.7cm 

Blackall

Over many weeks in the studio and on location in outback Queensland I designed, painted and installed five large signs for the fabulous Acacia Motor Inn, Blackall.

Blackall

It was great to return to Blackall State School to work with senior art students recently. We tackled a number of large murals and braved freezing cold mid winter mornings. Students and staff were so keen to participate I missed most of my lunch breaks but it was very much worthwhile as the new art evokes thought, reinforces school values and celebrates Blackall's unique identity.

The Blackall Show

In September of last year, the Blackall Show Committee decided they needed to create a colourful backdrop for their annual show. Sauce has created many different murals in both Blackall and Central Queensland, so it was easy to organise another trip out to Central Queensland. 

Over a series of emails, Sauce, myself and the Blackall Show Committee organised the design, for one of the tallest murals Sauce has created to date. The mural needed to both add colour and be a backdrop for all of the cultural activities and festivities associated with the show. It also needed to create an atmosphere which recognised over a century of history and commitment to community. All while creating a new layer of history for many years to come. Sauce also facilitated workshops and demonstrations at the show. It was non-stop painting! 

Once Sauce was in Blackall, it didn’t take long for the locals to say hello and ask about other projects and walls that Sauce could fit in while still in the area. He managed to paint some extra signage, and create a welcoming environment for the local Men’s Shed. The local Magpies also requested a mural, and Sauce was happy to oblige. 

As always, Sauce enjoyed the good old-fashioned county hospitality and hung out at the best hotel in the West.

Peace,

Ainslie Rose. 

Blackall State School

Making the most of the recent beautiful weather in Central Queensland I have just completed another project with Blackall State School. During the week I worked with students to build on arts skills and create a few more murals around the school. I wish to thank the principal and PCAP for the opportunity to continue the great work. Also derserving of much gratitude are the staff, students, tuckshop, and the community of Blackall for the ongoing support and commitment to youth art initiatives.

The following are a couple of examples from a busy week.

Dry Season

As I travelled towards Duthie Park in Blackall, a decrepit tree seemed to call me as it had a story to tell. I was propelled to take a closer look and I found the textures, the shapes and colours were asking to be painted. The tree tells his own story and I had the privilege of using him for my inspiration. 

Oil on canvas 80 X 40 cm.

Blackall SS & St Joseph's

Also been busy in Blackall again….It’s become my home away from home in recent years! I worked with students to design and create several murals at Blackall State School and St Joseph’s in this PCAP funded project. These pics are a selection from both schools.

Blackall

Just had a mammoth ten days in Blackall.

I facilitated workshops to paint banners with Blackall Pony Club and visitor information signs.

Then we did fifteen canvasses with community members along with a few canvas demos at the Blackall Show.

Thanks again to my friends, the wonderful people of Blackall for the ongoing and genuine support to engage community in public art projects.