Howdy, I have lived at Cluain all my life, it's a grazing property developed by my grandfather in the 40's and 50's. It is located 36km south of Lucindale on flat, sand over clay country with a good smattering of gums. I reckon it is one of the most beautiful flat views, looking out of our front window watching the sun set, as it chases across the ground and away into the distance.
I work here as an artist and farmer, a balance that I truly enjoy. I manage a sheep enterprise of 2000 Merino ewes lambing down Border Leicester cross lambs, along with a cattle trading operation based from around 300 PTIC Angus cows. There is an old single man's quarters, which I have taken as my studio and from here it is that I paint, draw and generally work on my artistic endeavours.
There is something quite special being out on a frosty morning, wrapped in "dryasabone", looking as the fog starts to rise from the low areas, and the steams bristles from the back of the cattle as they move. There is no hurry, no pace to this, just the opportunity to watch as the cattle wander onto the next paddock. There is a relaxed calm that I gain from this, and the beauty is there all the time. I can gather thoughts and wonder about many things.
The sky full and the air fresh, there is no place that I would rather be - and I am sure that my comfort translates in my work. It allows for the freedom and uncompromised self-expression I am able to possess, giving me time to find a place where I am comfortable to create.