The Bullock Bell

 

I created a new permanent public artwork for the City of Wagga Wagga. The artwork celebrates August Menneke who was a well respected Blacksmith of Wagga in the 19th century. His bullock bells were famous throughout Australia.

The ‘Bullock Bell’ is located in Menneke Park, Estella, Wagga Wagga.

 

 

Ballarat Christmas Art Trail Murals

 

Six murals have been installed across the City of Ballarat in the lead up to Christmas.

For the six Art Trail Murals I wanted to explore Christmas in a local context using an illustrative style with soft pastel colours. I created scenes with Ballarat landmarks and local natural environments to convey our summertime experience rather than use the usual European imagery. All the Christmas tropes are there but slightly subverted. Santa is pictured, but he is on the side of an icecream van and the snow cones are melting slightly in the summer sun. In another scene a wombat scratches his butt on a tree, making white eucalyptus blossoms fall like snow. I wanted to take the opportunity to acknowledge our important animal friends that we share a habitat with. It is the time of year where we celebrate outdoors and have experiences in nature and may be lucky enough have encounters with them. I anthropomorphised a few characters who are acting out Christmassy activities. Overall I hope the Art Trail brings a bit of joy. Look out for the dark emu and three hidden skinks in each image.

 

 

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The Blackwood Art & Ecology Club

https://blackwoodartandecologyclub.myportfolio.com

The Blackwood Art & Ecology Club gathered once a month throughout 2025 in the forest hamlet of Blackwood. It was all about getting together, sharing knowledge and getting creative. The program included a series of visual art workshops for children, adults and families based around an ecological themes. The themes playfully explored facets of the local natural environment and cyclic systems of nature.

Check out the website for updated information about potential workshops in the future.

Supported by FRRR Strengthening Rural Communities Grant  /  2025

Paynesville Book Project

I sent four lovely days working with the community of Paynesville to create a book for their food security project. I facilitated the children to become the authors and illustrates of their own book.

The book is made by kids for kids. I was invited to this project by Kids Own Publishing.