Artist: Brightsiders
Location: Stanthorpe Texas Rd TEXAS
Location: Stanthorpe Texas Rd TEXAS
Titled ‘Turning Things Around’ the artwork was commission by the Texas Arts Council to create a stunning mural that told the story of Texas and its community.
While developing the design the team at Brightsiders heard many examples of the people of Texas ‘turning things around’, their adaptability and their pragmatism that has served their town well.
Many of the photographs the team took in the town featured rusty old machinery, wheels and cogs from machinery of days gone by. They also heard of the significance of the Dumaresq River to the community, so based on all that was observed, the overall colour scheme of rust and water tones was used decided to be used throughout.
In one section of the mural the Dumaresq Valley creates the backdrop for a young girl who holds a miniature of a Cyprus Tobacco Barn and tobacco flower, wattle draped against her skin; a representation of the history of flora and fauna in the area.
A motor from the Texas Rabbit Works sits prominently on the ground with water spilling and lapping onto it. This pays homage to the significance of the Rabbit industry to the town as well as the importance of the river and the history of the many floods that have swept through the town.
Prominently featured on the mural are two figures sitting back to back united by the rim of a wagon wheel. This symbolism refers to the strong family and community connection that have enabled the people of Texas to turn things around. It also showcases the importance of transport in the history of the town.
Beneath the female figure, her dress of rusty tones is partly submerged and flowing into the water, representing the Dumaresq River and the many floods experienced by the town.
A motor from the Texas Rabbit Works sits prominently on the ground with water spilling all around it. This shows the history of the town and the importance of the Dumaresq River.
In the final section of the mural is a man working on an old bit of machinery. His Akubra hat perched on top of the machine, another nod to the rabbit works and the fur they once provided for the iconic hats. Stylised cogs make up the background with the texture of water and cedar wood.
The view from the silver spur mine sits behind the shacks that were once occupied by Chinese migrants in the area, acknowledging the diversity of industry and contribution of migration to the development of Texas.
Many thanks to the team at Brightsiders for the information above and the Texas Art Council for making it all possible. Photos by Terry Griffin.
