Living in the outback has its challenges but it can also be fun. I live and work in Cunnamulla where I teacher art to kids and make art myself. You will find these two domains linked - teaching and art.
I love my new easel. I didn’t even realise this kind of equipment existed! You attach the canvas by screwing it into the frame from behind. Then, once it is very stable, you can tilt up and down. Rotate and lay it out flat. It makes painting so much easier.
They say a bad workman blames his tools. But do they have a saying that having the right tool for the right job makes the day go much more quickly?
I am going through all my tools and methods and asking myself – “What is my bottleneck”” Avi from Fantastic Framers discussed this idea of streamlining the process in his last conference call.
Action shots – theme man planned integrated with nature
It is interesting. You don’t see people swimming or kayaking. I am keen to get back behind the paddle but a bit cautious. So, I satisfied myself exploring the theme of integrating man-planned structure with nature. Interesting pattern above.
I’ve called this photo Frothy! I love the patterns, the froth and the swirls. I am still heading towards abstraction. Interestingly, the AI process on this website suggests I explain more of my artistic process. At the moment, I am just on the hunt for exciting photos.
I am taken by the contrast between the rippling water and the sculpture of the deadwood/driftwood along the edge of the Warrego.
Speaking of man-planning, grass and wire netting hold the rocks and sand in place. We haven’t had much rain here, so this is all coming down from other places. There is no need for sandbagging and the like. I will do my research and see if this is Mitchell Grass.
I am resisting realism for the time being. Trying to lighten up and search for essence rather than superficial appearance.
This photo definitely wasn’t an afterthought—something I just happened to snap at the Hot Springs this morning. On the contrary, I was exploring a theme that will emerge through my work until culminating in an exhibition at the Information Centre in September. 2024.
Abstract paintings will explore the nexus between man-planned and nature. When the Hot Springs were designed, the architects and landscape artists did more than just fit into nature. They sought to fashion architectural forms that will fuse into the landscape.
This curvilinear shape reminds me of an artist’s palette; in a sense, that’s what the springs will be for many: a space where kookaburras sit quietly, gazing out over the water while writers write and gardeners laze and dream.
Look into this image. What do you see? I see a fertile space where creativity can surge from the depths of experience.
Clitoria ternatea is called the blue butterfly and Darwin pea. It is named after the island where botanist Carl Linnaeus’s specimens originated: the Ternate Island, located in the Maluku Islands. It is commonly found in South and Southeast Asia but has also been introduced to Australia. (1) This delicious plant is growing at RESQ, and when I go there during the week, I pick some and eat it. The taste grows on you. But once dried (or even before) it can be brewed into a delicious tea.
In Southeast Asia, the butterfly pea flower is a versatile ingredient, used not only as a natural food colouring for glutinous rice and desserts like Eurasian Portugal but also as ayurvedic medicine. In Kelantan, Malaysia, it’s a key component of nasi kerabu, lending its unique bluish hue. In Burmese and Thai cuisines, the flowers take on a different role, being dipped in butter and fried. They even find their way into the Nyonya dish Pulot tartal, adding a touch of colour. [2]
Butterfly pea flower tea, a popular beverage in Thailand and Vietnam, is crafted from ternatea flowers and dried lemongrass. Its unique feature is its ability to change colour, depending on the additives. For instance, lemon juice transforms it into a vibrant purple. In these countries, the tea is often mixed with honey and lemon, enhancing its acidity and turning the drink into a delightful pink-purple. It’s a refreshing option at partys, and can be enjoyed in both hot and cold forms.
The Darwin Pea grows as a vine or creeper, doing well in moist, neutral soil. Children from school are growing them in pots and eventually they will go into a sensory garden. Although grown as ornamental plants, they are extensively grown in coal mines throughout Australia as revegetation plants because they require very little care once cultivated. Clitoria ternatea, a legume, has a unique ability to form a symbiotic association with soil bacteria called rhizobia. This partnership allows the plant to convert atmospheric N2 into a form that it can use, a process known as nitrogen-fixing. This benefits the plant and improves the soil quality, a practice known as plant fixing. The plant’s ability to decompose nitrogen-rich material further enhances soil. Additionally, it’s worth noting that Clitoria ternatea is rarely affected by disease or pests, making it a resilient and low-maintenance choice for gardeners. [3]
Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, was referenced for this piece. However, I can see the benefits of cultivating this plant from day-to-day interaction. The article Organic Gardening – Cunnamulla Styledescribes our approach to natural, organic gardening. And this article from Healthline shows how the butterfly pea flower is rich in antioxidants and linked to several health benefits, including weight loss, blood sugar control, and hair and skin health.
Cunnamulla is way out in the outback. It is a space that comes alive each year when residents light up their gardens for the Outback River Lights Festival. There are arts-based competitions and sharing of creativity in a creative outpouring that stretches across three days. from the 19th to the 21st of April. Thank heavens we have the school holidays to get ready.
I will donate one painting to the auction as it is the “done thing” here to support the community. I will not say which painting this will be, but if you come along to the Welcome to Paroo evening on Wednesday, the 8th of March, it will be displayed along with artworks created at The Cunnamulla 12 State School. I love to see you there and hear your thoughts.
As you come in over the Land Bridge into Cunnamulla, there is a beautiful leafy green park. There iare swings, picnic tables, gym equipment and lots of space to exercise.
If you travellers go right through the park, they end up at the information centre. It offers complimentary coffee; inside the info centre is an art gallery and a historic museum. Travellers can also charge their devices and buy memorabilia. Do drop in it is worth the visit.
I went back out to the Allan Tannock Weir today to experiment with the panoramic function on my new camera. I think it works well, but I also need to learn a lot more about using the images on products. I love the weir, and I regard the trees along the river as sculptures. I will spend the weekend on the Warrego. I intend to pay for the whole weekend at the Hot Springs with the kayak on the bank below. At the moment, the Hot Springs is only open from 6-9am and then 5-9, so I will sit on the bank and do writing, painting and other work in the middle of the day.
There is a jetty like this at the Weir and then another just down from the Hot Springs. They are like a launching pad into a world of serenity. If you look to the left you can see a dip where we drop our kayaks into the water.
Every weekend, as I go out on the kayak, I intend to do a ‘portrait’ of a different tree. They all stand majestic and tall OR weather-beaten and driftwooded by the rise and fall of the water level. Sometimes at work, I drift off to my ‘creative space’ – thinking about what lies in store in the afternoon twilight.
One of the most beautiful spots in the outback, the weir provides countless hours of fun and recreation.
The Allan Tannock Weir is part of an original stock route and was formerly known as Keane’s Crossing. Situated 5 km south of Cunnamulla, the Weir is on the Warrego River. There are many old tree stumps still standing like sculpted driftwood along the edges of the river banks. This gracefulness reflected on the water in the afternoons creates a relaxing ambience.
The images were captured on a 15 Max Pro – they look great on iPhone cases and other digital products. On Zazzle, you can acquire other kinds of memorabilia – shot glasses, glasses and beer steins.
On the Warrego River, there is a bridge at the entrance of Cunnamulla from Thargomindah. There is a walkway along the river going up to the Hot Springs. It is a great place to pull up when entering the town. There are shade trees and sandstone seats. Under the bridge, there is a space where you can enter the water with your kayak.
The river is an excellent space for fishing and motor boating activities. Cunnamulla is just a small town out here in the outback, but it has a lot to offer. Stay tuned to find out more.
Browse the True Gusto Store or the Redbubble Website for excellent merchandise created from photographic imagery.
Built on the Bollon River, the main street is lined with trees, and gums line the river in the background.
Bollon is a town where travellers need to be self-starters to find something to do. Kayaking, fishing, and camping in the peaceful surroundings, Bollon is a place to relax and unwind. More to the point, it is a crossroads to the townships nearby. Coming from Cunnamulla, travellers turn right and travel through Dirranbandi or go straight ahead and land in St George another beautiful river town.
Meals can be enjoyed at the hotel or the local cafe called “Deb’s Cafe”. I enjoyed a hearty breakfast there today for under $25.
True Gusto 