The Stockman

Description

Open Edition Reproduction

For most of us, work involves sitting in a office in a city somewhere. But for this Aussie Stockman, it often takes place on horseback somewhere in the Outback of QLD. 

His life involves traveling to stations across the Outback working from daylight to dusk for weeks and sometimes months at a time away from home. Contract mustering with his partner, their faithful horses, and working dogs.

Up at the crack of dawn, working until late when the sun casts its golden glow in swirls of colours across the vastness of the evening sky. I sometimes envy them out there in the bush away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It has its trials and tribulations just like everything else but a day out in the bush is a good day. "" The Stockman"" was inspired by a nostalgic trip and a visit to a place a lot of my art to date has come from. This is how it all came about.

Once upon a road trip to iconic outback Queensland venturing inland to The Stockman’s Hall Of Fame and up to the Gulf of Carpentaria Steve and I experienced the nostalgia of the dinosaurs, pioneers, stockmen, bush poets, and stories of the past. 

On our way home, we caught up and stayed the night with Shane, Raquel, and the kids at their peaceful and welcoming home where they enjoy sharing their little piece of heaven on earth with family and friends. A place where we can go and experience what they enjoy every other day. 

Early the next morning was another working day, and we watched as they loaded the horses on the truck to head out for another day on horseback, somewhere in the Outback of Queensland. We said our goodbyes and headed back out on the road for the last leg of our outback journey home. A photo was taken this day that I used as my reference for the portrait of the Stockman. I hope when you reflect on it you feel a sense of history, adventure, and wide-open spaces. And I hope you love it as much as I do. Passionately created for the love of history and humanity in the process of living in this day and time.