Tasmazia International Mural Fest

It was fantastic to compete in my third consecutive International Mural Fest in Sheffield, Tasmania. People of all ages came to view the paint off in Mural Park over the week long event. The support from visitors and locals provided a great atmosphere which led to an enjoyable and productive week. I drew from inspirations such as Tasmazia and World of Marbles to create a mural titled “Ravenous Machine”. It was great to work amongst the calibre of artists from accross Australia and abroad. To view the nine artists murals check the Mural Fest website as it has all the action from the mini murals, progress shots and much more. Read more

Ravenous Machine

 

I am very excited to announce I was selected as one of nine finalist in the 2012, Sheffield International Mural Fest. This will be my third consecutive Mural Fest and I am hoping to defend my title after last years success. The picture below is the miniature I painted as an entry. For the competition, I will apply this design to the wall provided in Mural Park, Sheffield. The organiser stated this year, there were a record number of entries including many from overseas. I am looking forward to catching up with some old friends and meeting some new faces while working amongst such a high calibre of mural artists. 

This year the poem is titled Food Bowl by Lorraine McNeair: “The golden bloom of fertility lies on the land/And feeds us with flavour.”

The whirling, whizzing, wheezing wheels of modernity steam into the bucolic landscape, in search of food to feed the bloated masses. This pictorial narrative explores the collision of the rural landscape and the urban sprawl by depicting their current state of existence.

Acrylic on board 96cm X 42cm.

 

Its All a Blur

I recently contributed to a group mural “25 years of Mural Art in Kentish – A Success Story” . Involving more than Twenty artists, the indoor 3D mural is on display in Sheffield, Tasmania and has been created to commemorate Twenty-five years of murals in the town. Each artist was asked to create a miniature based on what the murals represent to them. My piece is based on my experience winning last years Mural Fest. Titled “It’s All a Blur” I aimed to depict a scene of Mural Park in Sheffield skewing the focus to indicate an almost kaliodscopic view. Drawing on memories of the event it really was a blur of great people, delicious food, amazing artwork, comradery and a totally unexpected success. I hope to update with the whole mural soon.

 

 

Connectivity

Winner of the Judge’s Choice Award The Wilderness Gallery Sheffield International Mural Fest 2011.

Day breaks and the sun begins to warm the concrete jungle. It is easy to ignore the natural environment and focus on a capitalist-centric trajectory. This is an expression of connection and disconnection: an illustration of dissonance among the birdsong. Is nature reconnecting or are the urban elements dominating?

Acrylic and aerosol on boards 4.8m X 2.1m Sheffield, Tasmania. 

Based on the theme poem Power of Community by PB Tewson: 

In the dawn bright with birdsong,

the people rise to watch the world open.

Winner !

Fresh from my time in Tasmania, I am pleased to announce I won the judges choice for this year’s International Mural Fest, Sheffield. The week long paint off in Sheffield brings over ten thousand through Mural Park and the Shire of Kentish and is sponsored by The Wilderness Gallery. My work, after much discussion, was chosen for the $6000 prize by the judges based on the three different criteria of technique, originality and interpretation of the theme poem provided. 

It was a real honor to be selected as a finalist as the calibre and experience of the other eight artists is very inspiring. I want to congratulate Kerry and Malcolm Nicholson, of Queensland for the amazing work “The Quilt” which was awarded highly commended. Patricia Smart, of New South Wales, picked up the most public votes during the week winning the peoples choice for “The World Open” and Marc Spijkerbosch, of New Zealand took the 2010 Peoples’ Choice Award for votes during the past year. Please visit the Mural Fest website for pictures of the finished works and artists in action.

I would like to thank my family, friends and fans who offered support throughout the paint off, all of the artists for participation in lengthy networking meetings at the Sheffield Hotel, Jelly Media and all of the sponsors. Most importantly I want to extend my appreciation to the Mural Fest committee and volunteers for everything including fresh mushrooms, spraypaint, transport, accommodation, lammingtons, cups of tea and all of the laughs. Thanks to the community of Sheffield for a great event.

 

“Connectivity” Aerosol and acrylic on boards 4.8m X 2.1m, Mural Park Sheffield Tasmania.

 

 

Mural Fest is sponsored by: The Wilderness Gallery, Slaters Country Store, Kentish Shire Council, The Sheffield Shed, Jelly Media, Lake Barrington Vineyard, Sheffield Hotel, Tasmanian Alkaloids, Targa Tasmania, Tasmazia, Cradle Mountain Candy Company, Southern Cross, Sea FM, Sheffield Cabins, Pioneer Holiday Cabins, IGA Express, Kentish Hills Retreat, AAA Granary Accommodation, Treloar Transport, Barrington General Store, Caltex Sheffield, BJR Chain & Engineering Supplies, Commonwealth Bank, Turnbulls Pharmacy, Highlander Restaurant, Railton Motor & Tyre, Kirtek, Clematis Nursery, Cement Australia, Ibbotts, Skwiz Cafe, Carinya Farm, Mayor Don Thwaites, Sheffield RSL, World of Marbles, Sheffield Newsagency, Aplaca Man, Sheffield Medical Centre, The Don Store and Sup-Ply.

Sheffield International Mural Fest

I am excited to once again be selected as a finalist in the Sheffield International Mural Fest. I will compete with eight other mural artists at Mural Park in Sheffield, Tasmania. You can stay in the loop at the Mural Fest website for progress photos, updates and information during the week long paint off. 

Artists enter a miniature based on a theme poem, this years poem is titled “Power of Community” by PB Tewson.

In the dawn bright with birdsong,

the people rise to watch the world open

 

Rock and Roland

Mt Roland captures some of Tasmania’s inspiring natural beauty. During my stay in Sheffield the mountain spoke to me, it compelled to create an artwork feeding from the energy of rock formations existing amongst the rolling hills. I envisage this scenery evolving over time continually moulded by the forces of nature in action. Maybe new rocks will emerge from this dynamic sculptural expanse. 

Acrylic on canvas 80 X 40cm.

International Mural Fest 2010

I was selected as one of nine finalists in the Sheffield International Mural Fest paint-off 2010. Artists from Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Tasmania and New Zealand competed for prize money and prestige at Mural Park set beneath the inspiring Mt Roland, Tasmania.

Each artist was selected based on a miniature. This years theme poem was "Home" By Cindy Bennett.

From dark cave to seaside,

Under stars when nights are warm,

Home is where you wander-

Where your truth and essence are born.

There was a constant stream of viewers over the six days and the kids were lapping up the chance to create a  mini mural.

Artists accommodation was great!  (Tasmazia & The Village of Lower Crackpot).

 

The competition so so tight the judges came to a tied decision. Congratulations to Marc Spijkerbosch & Julian Bale who were awarded first place.

Thanks to all the artists, volunteers, local community, sponsors and supporters. To view all artists murals and progress pics click here.