True Gusto

Tag: nature

  • Emergence of Abstraction

    Reaching for Meaning – Mining for an Idea

    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.

  • Did Someone Say River Lights Festival?

    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.

  • Coming from Eulo into Cunnamulla

    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.

  • Experimenting on a Panoramic Camera

    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.

  • Allan Tannock Weir is Running

    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.

  • Darby Land Bridge Cunnamulla Entrance

    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.

  • Why Comics Are Important to My Work

    Why Comics Are Important to My Work

    This is Tonya and Trent

    At RESQ, a community cooperative in Cunnamulla, we work with children to grow, tend and harvest food. In this comic painting on a large masonite board, Tonya and Trent are showing the kids how to carefully pick the produce that they will use to have a great big cook-up.

    Throughout the exhibition running at the Paroo Shire Information Centre Gallery, you will see a whole swag of images pertaining to this learning. The sunflowers with butterflies and bees that you see on various products that we have collected or made, all speak to the idea of cooperative learning. We are learning how to fertilise and care for plants, while we are learning about how nature capitalises on the habits of birds, bees and butterflies to fertilise and maintain mother nature and her harvests.

    Acrylic on canvas, stretched and ready to hang.
    Signed on the front.

    This canvas can hang on the wall or sit on the table. It is intended to capture the warmth and energy that comes with the growth of sunflowers, and the activity of the insects that are attracted to them. I surround myself with beauty so as to nurture my own energy. I draw on the warmth of the sun.

    MDF Board was painted with acrylic paint and varnish.

    This coffee cup holder has been painted as an example for a project at school. It has eight spaces for coffee cups but would also make an attractive addition to a kitchen cupboard shelf. We are teaching students how to sell products so this painted artefact is available on the Bluethumb Gallery Website Practical in nature, this artwork keeps with the sunflower theme but this time there are bees. It is intended to capture the warmth and energy that comes with the growth of sunflowers and the activity of the insects that are attracted to them.