And then there were three...
• The second of 12 in the 'ute in a paddock' project at Burrawang West painted by Shane Gehlert. The bowsers were donated by Mooney's Transport and sprayed by Mark Brigden both of Condobolin. |
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by Karen Tooth
news@condobolinargus.com.au
Famous Aussie “scallywag” artist Peter Browne already known as the vegemite man and Volkswagen man is about to become known as the “Burrawang ute man”.
Third artist to participate in the eye popping ute painting project at Burrawang West, where 12 Holden utes are to become a canvass in a paddock adjacent to the road, Peter is one of as many famous Australian “outback” artists working with station owner Graham Pickles to put Ootha and district on the map.
Peter was born in 1947 at West Wyalong (although claiming to have been found under a sheet of tin near Rankin Springs) and spent his early years on a sheep property at Geogilderie on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, dodging snakes mustering sheep and catching fish, as he puts it.
His art reflects the humour of the bushman (he says there are three main ingredients; humour, Aussie flavour, and emus) and his work can be seen at www.peterbrowne.com.au (and from the road at Burrawang).
He has his own art gallery at Silverton just outside Broken Hill and has now “retired” to continue painting at Salamander Bay.
Just like any other Aussie exposed to the Australian bush in the way Peter has been he reckons “never let a chance go by when something is happening”.
“Maybe every single farm could display a ute. Even if it is a small letterbox one or lone painted by the farmers kids. It would provide a lot of entertainment.”
And what of the Burrawang West Resort? Well, Peter says it is a great place to stay. “The beds are difficult to get out of as they are so comfortable.”
If you have an old ute to donate to this unique 'gallery' call Mick Taylor 6895 2284.
