2021 Wrap up

The last few years has been challenging. Whilst I’m still running my business on two bars of 3G and no reliable internet in sight (this post has literally taken several attempts to load because its raining) the pandemic has virtually shut down the arts. Due to state political situations for the best part of two years I have either been stuck behind a physical barrier cut off from work or working and unable to return home between ever changing restrictions. I still don’t understand why couch surfing and camping around Queensland is safer than sleeping in my own bed just a stones throw south of the border but anyways were all in this together yeah? 

Operating a 100% Queensland business and having to apply for a permit, commute 45 kms in the wrong direction to sit at a checkpoint cue to be questioned by maskless police and army then return the long way home through congested roadworks for no reason has taken its toll. I’m cool with doing my bit for a public health crisis but when the LGA you reside has zero cases and Brisbane is 8x closer than Sydney, it makes no sense to be denied the opportunity to access work, let alone the quickest route in an emergency all while sports events continued take place in packed stadiums with athletes flown in from interstate hotspots. I feel for all those adversely affected in recent times and in my own experience I’ve had to make snap decisions to be temporilary homeless or income less by my own state gov, Ive been forced to buy materials and hire equipment I have sitting in my workshop just down the road, Ive watched competitors poach my work and witnessed the premier promoting public art and tourism projects across Queensland one of which I literally had on hold because of cross border restrictions. Ive missed medical appoints and couldn’t cross the border for original scheduled 2nd vaccination, been cut off from friends & family, and I even buried our dog in a family members yard because if i layed her to rest in my garden I was unable to return for work. I have put my heart and soul into Queensland over my 20 year career and the lack of any support for border residents from both state governments compounds the failings from a federal level. The uncertainty of ever changing restrictions has disproportionately placed challenges on small business and the most vunerable whilst many large companies are handed tax payer funded subsidies and the obscenely wealthy cash in on Covid. Were all left wondering how celebrities and football players receive magical exemptions to the rules and why double standards have become accepted as the norm.

However during this time I have been fortunate theres been plenty of interest in my artwork. Throwing any sort of work/life balance out the window I have tried to make the most of every professional opportunity. Knowing how disproportionately the arts sector has suffered with Covid restrictions I am grateful to still be operating two decades after starting my business. Completing 25 projects this year entailing of 4 tours of Queensland, projects with 11 schools from Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, Gympie & Gold Coast has all been a bit of a blurr.

When lockdowns have been looming I have purchased canvasses and bunkered down in my studio to put time into developing an exhibition. Another side project I have been working on is a cartoon featuring my sidekick/manager Mac the Fox Terrier. Like many artists I have utilised down time to prepare new work and avoid total insanity! 

Theres been a few firsts and no shortage of ups and downs and surprises along there way. Some of the most of memorable experiences of 2021 include collaborations with Ronell, Kosie 1, Lucy Ann Artistry and Blurg. Its been great to make several new friendships, discover fresh walls, observe koalas from the studio and share food, drinks and conversations with homeless people at campsites whilst wealthy grey nomads complain about the dust and cost of fuel in the outback. Further to the counter productive border restrictions mentioned earlier some other challenging experiences include having 2 flat tyres & getting bogged in the same week and the past couple of months recovering from injury and experiencing chronic pain but I am looking forward to getting back to business and splashing some paint around again soon.

Thank you for the support and stay tuned as theres plenty more art in the making and projects planned for the new year,

Sauce

The Sandstone Point Hotel

Back in April, Sauce was contacted by the Comiskey group, as the owner had a new project he was working on. Sauce had previously worked for David at one of his childcare centres on the Sunshine Coast, so it was great to continue this partnership. 

David had numerous ideas about the designs and imagery for his latest development, the Sandstone Point Hotel. Since the hotel has numerous different bars, eating areas and meeting points, cleverly, David wanted a different focus in each area or zone. David also chose to begin the mural and artwork phase prior to opening, so Sauce was in there, painting amount the construction site. By focusing on each different zone, Sauce was able to design and tailor artwork to suit the usage and the layout of the area. The different zones, also provided Sauce with different artistic opportunities. The images below show the signage, portrait, and ghost-signs. All of which were a welcome challenge. 

From the design phase, where the client used Pinterest to indicate the themes and perspective, to the application of the artwork, this is by far, was one of the more intricate, varied and professional artworks Sauce has created. It's not only a portfolio piece, but it also an example of how businesses can use artwork to suit their needs and transform an area, by standing out from all of their competitors. This project was the perfect balance of artwork, patronage and commercial value. Sauce hopes to both work with the Comiskey Group again, and other likeminded clients who want to stand out from the crowd. 

As as the weather warms up and the days grow longer, I strongly recommend a trip north of Brisbane to the Sandstone Point Hotel. Baby Boomers will be pleased to know the Beach Boys will be performing there in the near future, and there's even a petting zoo for the little ones. So grab your family, get in the car, and get ready to enjoy a cool drink, tasty food, great artwork and seaside views. 

Peace,

 Ainslie Rose. 

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Barcaldine

After a fortnight in Emerald, it was time to pack up the Mural Truck and get back on the road. This time, Sauce was headed to Barcaldine where he had arranged to paint at St. Joseph’s Primary School and in the CBD.

While Sauce was painting in the town centre, some feathered friends had a sticky beak at all the action. You can check out the excitement on Youtube. 

As always, Sauce made the most of his time out West and completed some canvas work and a backdrop for one of the locals in town. 

Emerald May - June 2014

 

Things may have seemed quiet in the studio for the past month, but Sauce has been anything but quiet. Last month, he toured Central Queensland with thanks to Anglicare CQ and spent the past month flat out like a lizard drinking. Anglicare celebrated thirty years of service this year, and we realised that Sauce has been working with the organisation for the past decade. 

For this trip, the Anglicare CQ team from Emerald kept him busy with countless workshops for the young people of Emerald and he painted a few murals too. The locals of Emerald also keen to have their walls painted and Sauce managed to smash a few commissions too. 

It wasn’t all work and no play. Hayley (the most effective and efficient Youth Worker this side of the Black Stump), was generous enough to take Sauce to Fairburn Dam for the day where he indulged in some wake boarding! The Emerald and CQ crew are always a pleasure to work with, and Sauce is already planning to head back out again. Next stop: Barcaldine. 

As you can see, Sauce has loads of pictures from his trip away. Too many for one blog post! To see the action unfold, follow us on Instagram!

Goodbye 2013!

Wowzers! 2013 has been one rollercoaster of a year. Sauce painted more murals than we care to count and the studio has been out biggest adventure yet! 

The year started with a bang, as Sauce spent five days at Brisbane Pop Culture with Turtle and Em Undead. With all the rain and storms for the summer of 2012-13 Sauce was definitely battling the elements. But it was finished in time and luckily Em and Turtle escaped any flooding. We however, were not so fortunate. Country living has it’s downside, and while we were planning and scheming to open The Sauce Studio in Murwillumbah, we were flooded in at home for four and a half days, without power. But, we survived, and managed to open the studio, so Lady Luck must have been looking after us.

Buddah watching over us in the studio.

The Studio opening in March was definitively the scariest and most exciting thing we have ever done. In the lead up to opening night, it was utter chaos. We were busily organising shirts, logos, merchandise, advertising and all the paperwork that comes with running and expanding a business. We also had to re-fit the shop ourselves which saw Sauce and myself covered in paint and sweat from head to toe. A massive thanks goes out to all the people who visited for opening night (and throughout the year!). It’s heartening to know people are interested in the artwork and want to support an independent artist.

Ainslie Rose hard at work!

Once we opened the studio, Sauce was off to Tassie, and then Julia Creek, which was the first of three trips to Central Queensland this year. The Anglicare CQ team are without a doubt the most professional and dedicated team we have worked with. Every time Sauce visits Emerald, he’s treated like a superstar and the Anglicare CQ team have every detail organised. The kids are appreciative and enthusiastic. Sauce has even made friends up there who take him motorbike riding. Rough life hey?

The studio is keeping us both busy, with Sauce using the space as a workshop and I’m busy with all of the admin and paperwork. In September of this year, we held out first curated showcase, which was another adventure. I had the exciting role of Senior Curator, which meant I was developing and analysing the theme, while also advertising and vacuuming. For the week before Stains of Modernity opened, we had a young lad on work-experience who was dedicated and energetic. We almost couldn’t keep up with him!  Again, a massive thanks to all who came to the opening night and gave us a hand behind the scenes. It’s always scary throwing that type of party. We can never tell if it is going to be epic or, and epic failure, so thanks for making it a success.

Digital Interference. One of the pieces from Stains of Modernity.

It hasn’t been all beer and skittles, with Sauce facing some challenging bureaucracy and professional hurdles. We blogged about the many different experiences, and on a personal level it is disappointing to see the legal walls shut down, commissioned walls painted over and the zero tolerance approach taken by numerous organisations. I am conscious when we’re putting together blog posts as it is easy to moan about these issues, but we believe in standing up for what we believe in. Which is why we also write countless emails to officials and bureaucrats and make this information public. Just like Max Cavalera reminds us, “I’d rather die on my feet than keep living on my knees.” Too true Mr Cavalera.

One more exciting piece of information before we go. We are finally running stencil and aerosol workshops from the studio. Book it in your diary!

January 12th & 26th and February 9th.
$40 per head which includes a small canvas and paint supplied. 
Strictly 13 years or older.
Bookings essential. 
Wear appropriate clothing. All care taken, no responsibility for leaving paint on your new Nikes.

What ever you are doing this festive season, stay safe, look after your mates and enjoy yourself.

Peace,
Sauce and Ainslie Rose.

Sauce takes some time out with his new favourite book.

Arts Fest Week at Calvary Christian College

For the first week back at school of term, four I was Artist in Residence for Calvary College at the Carbrook campus. This marked my fourth year at the school and as always, the school community was great to work with. I did several workshops with the art classes and completed a mural for the sports shed.

Update on 2013-12-02 04:15 by sauce

Benowa State Primary

After the Stains of Modernity Exhibition which opened on Saturday, I was back on the road to Benowa State Primary School. 

Central Queensland Tour

Did you hear the news? I’m famous in Central Queensland! During August and September I spent two and a half weeks traveling and painting my way through Central Queensland. During that time, I managed to complete ten murals and assist students to complete fifty-five canvasses which used twenty-two litres of acrylic paint, fifty-two spray cans and sixty nozzles. 

After a stop over at Ink Addict in Tara  I headed onto Emerald where I smashed an aerosol art demonstration at Central Highlands Multicultural Festival. I squeezed in an illusion style floor mural for the team at Anglicare CQ in the first few days, before running stencil workshops in Emerald, Rubyvale and Springsure. During the tour, I completed murals at Capella State High, Springsure State School, Blackwater State High, the Emerald Neighborhood Centre and the Emerald Kick Wall.

As usual, it was an absolute blast to work with the Anglicare CQ team. They always look after me and it’s great to see the young people enjoy different art forms. There is far too much to show for one blog post, so here is a taste of some of the completed works. 

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Springsure State School requested a cafe themed mural and a Welcome sign. 

Blackwater State High Students show Effort, Responsibility, Safety and Respect.

We paid tribute to the ANZACs with a mural at Capella State High School. Lest We Forget.

Springsure Stingers Swimming Club

Tamborine Mountain State School

Last week I headed to Tamborine Mountain State School to work with the Principal, Mr. Jason Smith. I always enjoy heading back to school and creating murals which both the teachers and students can enjoy. Mr. Smith wanted the murals to present the school motto, add some colour to the school and remind the students it’s cool to go to school!

Update on 2013-11-18 00:47 by sauce

The Cultural Arts mural is my second visit to Tambourine Mountain State School this year and it is always a pleasure to work with such an appreciative client. I first met Mr Smith in Blackhall, where he helped create a positive learning environment for Blackhall State School. Mr Smith and I planned this Cultural Arts mural to represent all the different artistic endeavors the school is involved in. The award winner school choir is even featured in the background. I need to give an extra shout out to the supportive tuck-shop personnel, as they put on a tasty spread for a working lad. 

Update on 2013-12-07 02:14 by sauce

Julia Creek Skatepark

To celebrate this years Youth Week, I packed my bags and headed to Julia Creek, home of an endangered marsupial The Super Dunnart. I was hoping to get away from the rain, which has put a dampener on some of the projects in the pipeline in Brisbane, but no such luck! With some help from the locals I brought the skate park to life on over couple of sunny days after the rain.