Local award-winning artist John Murray has painted the first in a series of utes to be displayed at ‘Burrawang West’, near Ootha.
Set in the heart of the Lachlan River, the historical cattle station near Condobolin displays a dynamic celebration of Australia’s outback culture.
The iconic model Holden ute is a part of a tribute to the life in the outback. Utes in the paddock of Graham Pickles, an international business leader from Sydney and owner of ‘Burrawang West’.
Graham’s inspiration came after a trip to the United States. While travelling along Route 66, he and wife Jana visited the Cadillac Ranch, located near Amarillo in Texas. The unusual tourist destination provides visitors an opportunity to graffiti any of the ten cadillacs which are buried up to their windshield.
After returning to his property Graham approached locals in Condobolin and the ute team began work on the project in 2007.
The utes were happily donated by locals, excited about the quirky project after learning that some of Australia’s most gifted artists would be show casing their talents to create this unique tribute to life in the bush.
The first one on the paddock was John Murray’s Circle Work. Graham invited John to be a part of this very special outback project.
“It’s just great, it will be a fantastic tourist attraction. It’s all about getting the citysiders out to rural Australia and into the bush,” John said.
“I wanted to make an impact statement.
“The galahs are the larrikins circling the ute and they are a reference to the young lads at a B and S. The big galah towing the ute away represents the fun police.
John introduced Shane Gehlert to the project with his dynamic Epitaph to Fossil Fuels. Painted on a 1977 Holden HZ it features Gehlert ’s signature ‘Robo-roo’ amid stunning outback hues of red, orange and blue. The ute stands vertically on its tailgate.
Peter Browne’s EMUTE was inspired by his good mate Pro Hart for his painting on a 1976 HJ ute.
Vibrant outback colours with his famous emus complete the most recent artwork of the collection.
Artists Max and Gloria Reid, on behalf of the local Wiradjiri corporation, are currently working on their artistic creation and accomplished artist Peter Mortimore, now living in Dubbo, is returning to Condobolin to make his contribution in August.
“The plan is to have twelve utes on display, with six to be erect in August,” Graham said.
“After the first couple of utes were displayed the town really has got behind the concept.
Many locals have now donated utes ranging from FX models to the EH, and will have their blank canvas bodies splashed with creative colour.
“It’s turned into a bit of an art competition,” Graham said.
Graham said with John and the other artists setting the benchmark many more are trying to come up with spectacular ideas.
Graham said while the project certainly adds texture and another layer of interest to the area, the project is really about promoting the bush.
Utes in the paddock is an invitation for people living on the coast to cross the sandstone curtain and visit central NSW.
If anyone has a straight old and probably dusty ute they may wish to donate to the project please
contact Mick Taylor of Mick Taylor’s Auto in Condobolin on 6895 2284.