Manly West

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!!!

Barcaldine

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.

Leichhardt

It was great to return to Leichhardt State School in Ipswich this week. This time I completed a mural in the multipurpose centre working alongside the fabulous PBL (positive Behaviour Learning) team. It’s great to see students embrace the school mascot Leo the lion and offer positive feedback towards the new art.

Alexandra Hills

It was great to be back in the Redlands and complete a mural with Alexandra Hills State Primary School who are currently celebrating their 50th anniversary. I was assigned the task of creating an artwork which included the schools new logo and a large amount of hand painted signage. I enjoyed the challenge and have no doubt the artwork will serve for many years to come. Thanks to the staff for making this come to fruition and enthusiasm throughout the project.

Oxenford

The new play area mural is part of a suite of murals completed at Oxenford State School recently. It likely won’t be the last as there’s more in the pipeline however it’s been a pleasure to complete seven sites over the past few years. Oxenford SS provides a great example of how dedicated school staff and a proactive P&C drive projects to benefit the school community.

Leichhardt

Despite Cyclone Alfred delaying progress it was fabulous to complete my first commission with Leichhardt State School this week on Yuggera, Jagera and Ugarapul lands. The mural features Leo the school mascot and creates a welcoming statement for the school entrance. The feedback from staff, students and parents has been amazing throughout the process of transforming the bare brick wall. I will be completing more art at Leichhardt in the near future so keep your eyes peeled.

Aramac

I painted my first mural at Aramac State School in 2005/6 ? when Anglicare CQ toured me around the region. I have always enjoyed the adventure of painting in remote locations and pioneering public art, and were better than the centre of the universe! Aramac is a special place to me…it feels like authentic Wild West! Every visit I have seen familiar faces and met some characters along the way. The local support is amazing & I have likely done more art in the 4726 than anywhere else. For a locality of 372 people public art has been an integral platform to tell community stories with murals for a wide range of gov, non-gov organisations along with business and private clients commissioning a variety of projects.

The first mural has recently been covered by a newly built classroom and how fantastic to have the opportunity to return and paint the other side. The art on the D block wall facing the oval was an initiative by the student council who wanted to leave their mark. There was plenty of students wielding brushes, rollers and stencils to help out. 39 degree temps, gusty wind and storms won’t stop public art in Aramac. Thank you to the school staff who were just as enthusiastic to see this project come to fruition as the students.

Nerangba

It’s been a pleasure to work with a couple of new schools this year one being Jinibara State School. Jinibara is situated in Nerangba in the Moreton Bay Region of Queensland. I had the opportunity to brighten up a couple of sites in the prep area. Thanks to the staff and students for the fab feedback and making me feel welcome.