Saturday 17 August 2013

W.A. on the Rocks

A series of oil and charcoal on panel paintings highlighting the industrial development of the Pilbara region of West Australia.


"Dreamtime Becomes a Nightmare"

The Burrup Peninsula, a contrast of the most ancient culture with the most intensive industry. Fert plant in the background.


"The View from Cossack"

Looking from the headland at Cossack toward the North West Shelf gas development.


"Big Toys"

Some intensive upgrading of the rail line between Tom Price and Karratha.


"Haemophilia, Dampier"

Exporting Iron Ore from Dampier, punishment spear looms above.


“Looking at the World through Rio-Tinted Glasses”

We found this iron ore train parked on the way to Karratha, waiting for the previous train to clear the tracks before it could proceed. I sat next to it and drew feverishly in case it moved on, which it did after about 10 minutes. I added some detail from memory.


"Rap 64"

Increasing the water supply to thirsty Karratha.


"Cold Warning"

The Submarine communication array at Exmouth. Built in the 60's. I was thinking of calling this one Hills Hoist Prototype.


"Off Onslow"

Panoramic strips showing the offshore gas developments off Onslow. Nice little town, Onslow, but not for much longer. Turned this one into a treasure map.


"Stromatolites, Hamelin Pool"

Tried unsuccessfully to find these ancient remnants of early life on earth in 1982 when we were in WA. They were a must see this time around. A stromatolite (literally, 'layered rock') is a solid structure created by single-celled microbes called cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). The cyanobacteria form colonies and trap sediment with their sticky surface coatings. The trapped sediment reacts to calcium carbonate in the water to form limestone. They are largely responsible for the oxygen in the atmosphere and most of life on earth wouldn’t be possible without them. Boardwalk courtesy of BHP.


"3 Pigeons"

Painted this view of the courthouse at Greenough thirty years ago and I was interested in having another crack at it. Did a better job the second time around.









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