Continuing Australia’s Story — Moree
I have visited this park, here in Moree, where this bandstand is located many, many times. I just decided one day it needed to have its story told. So, I thought I would try something different. I had been considering another ‘naive’ style painting. This simple location seemed to be just right for this choice of artwork. I reached for my bright colours, and larger brushes and I simply had fun.
This painting’s bright/saturated colors and the details of the Bandstand’s rich appearance gives the illusion of ‘naivite’. Or what people refer to as childlike composition of buildings and scenery. I did not have to pay close attention to such details as distance relationships in this painting. I just enjoyed the freedom of placing the trees right next to the bandstand, removing what I considered clutter, and added the footpath for affect, etc. The bright colors truly brought this naive landscape to life. I am quite proud of this painting feeling it will not be the last I do in this enjoyable — simplisitic style.
I enjoyed using the intense colors and the thick textures throughout this painting to communicate the ‘openness’ of this family/pet friendly park. The details of the bandstand are well-defined, which, besides the painting’s bright colors, add to the liveliness/freedom of this artwork.
What is the Naive Style of Painting?
The ‘naive’ style came about in the early twentieth century. It can still be found in many art galleries throughout the world today. Whether bright and abstract or straight-lined and subdued, naive images break established guidelines.
Many ‘naive’ paintings will speak to the rebel within us — to the rebel you know and love.
Naive Art — The Art of a Bright Reality. Aleksandra Matic
Naive artwork is filled with bright color, childlike images of people in colorful costume, art filled with bright playful detail. At times the images within a ‘naive’ painting seem to fly free. The world of a ‘naive’ artwork gives the viewer the opportunity to step back to his/her childhood.
The main author/founder of the ‘naive’ style of art is believed to be Henri Rousseau who was, in turn, discovered by Pablo Picasso. Henri Roussea (1844–1910) amazed Picasso with his “simplicity and frankness.” David Charles Fox.
I believe that my simple ‘naive’ style painting of the bandstand in the park here at Moree achieved that objective. If one lingers infront of this simple painting — one can remenisce of times as a child in such a hideaway. The path in the foreground leads our imagination onto the bandstand where we can skip and frolic for a while. Or, if in our imagination we fly our brightly colored kite in the gentle breeze up to the bright azure sky taking our dreams with it.
Naive artwork, I believe, allows the viewer to have fun in the painting for a while. The simplicity of design allowing the viewer to fill in the missing pieces, so to speak. Well, that is how I see it, anyhow????
Joy is the simplest form of gratitude. Karl Barlt
I thoroughly enjoy the freedom that ‘naive’ style painting gives. Simplicity does not mean that it is simple. Just different. It is a technique like any other that needs to be Mastered. This is where Google steps in. Where online courses are sourced. And, life once again proves to be great!!
Where is Moree and a Little About Her
Moree is located 625 kilometres north of Sydney via Tamworth.
Moree is a major agricultural centre noted for its part in the Australian cotton-growing industry. This valuable primary industry was established in the early 1960s.
The 2016 Australian census revealed the town of Moree had a population of 7,383.
Moree is home to the Artesion Hot Springs which are famous for their healing qualities.
Moree’s History
James and Mary Brand built and established Moree’s first general store in 1852 and a Post Office was developed the following year.
A severe flood devistated the young township in 1864.
By 1867 Moree’s population had grown to 43 and by 1881 its population was 295.
The railway line first arrived at Moree from Sydney in 1897.
Wheat cultivation increased quite dramatically after World War II and her first cilo was built in 1951.
Indigenous History
The history of the past is but one long struggle upward to equality. Elizabeth Cady Stanton
The local Indigenous community recognize themselves as the Kamilaroi people. They are the second largest Indigenous nation on the eastern coast of Australia, with Wiradjuri being the largest. This Indigenous nation covers 30,000 square miles of running rivers and streams tumbling over fertile soil. Their language is Gamilaraay and their lifestyle is to co-exist with, and maintain a balance with nature. Kamilaroi Aboriginal people lived in harmony with their environment.
Today, descendants of the traditional people of the Kamilaroi Nation continue to occupy these lands. They are known as ‘Murri’ people.
Unfortunately, when white settlers came to Moree they brought with them discrimination, conflict and disease. I have a dear friend who recollects her father having to stand in line merely to buy meat from the butcher, knowing that ‘white man’ was always served first. I still see discrimination against the Indigenous people in more subtle forms and I am ashamed. Have we not learnt that this is their Nation and we are just settlers? The Indigenous people have lived in our beloved country for over forty thousand years. They lived in harmony with nature and have stories to tell if only we would listen.
The Kamilaroi nation has been inhabited by Aboriginal people speaking the ‘Gamilaraay’ language for an estimated 40 000 years. During the course of this time, it has been suggested that 15 000 people roamed the nation of north west NSW.
In the 54 years post colonisation, the population of the Kamilaroi drastically dropped to only 1000 people through displacement, conflict and disease brought about by European occupation. Kamilaroi — A Nation’s Identity — Michelle Carpenter — Macquarie University
All is not bleak. A new partnership between Moree’s Indigenous community and the Red Cross giving them a focal point in times of need connecting them to the services and people who can help. It may not seem like much when looked at from the perspective of all these proud people have suffered. But, to me it is a starting point for more promising partnerships in the future.
I have also witnessed the friendships built between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples that have no complications. These friendships blossom over generations promising a future that my dear friend could only have dreamed of in her youth. We, I believe, need to work tirelessly to end all forms of discrimination so that we can truly live in peace in this truly amazing Nation.
…those who plan peace have joy. Proverbe 12:20
When I was young and a new immigrant I too suffered the nasty ‘sting’ of discrimination that left me feeling small and isolated. Perhaps you have had moments where you have witnessed such abuse. And, take it from me it is Abuse. The stinging words from fellow students that are masked as humour bring the tears to my eyes still. Have we learnt from the past? Shall we comfort the victims? Shall we say “enough is enough?”
Australia is large enough for us all. Let us be ONE!!!
If the only prayer you ever say is THANK YOU, it will be enough. Meister Eckhart
Let us take this opportunity together and say THANK YOU for what Australia means to YOU and ME.
Now, a little more on Moree…
Moree is a delightful town in the beautiful Gwydir Valley in northwest NSW.
You’ll find many more wonderful things to do and see in and around Moree, from fishing in the Gwydir delta waterways to heritage and agricultural tours and exploring fine art in the Moree Plains Gallery. The indigenous art collection in the gallery is one of the most significant in Regional NSW.
Have I convinced you yet that Moree is worth a visit? Relax and unwind in natural mineral hot springs from the Great Artesian Basin in the world. In your imagination, can you feel your self just soaking up the warmth and letting go of life’s stresses. Are you planning what you are going to do tomorrow. Perhaps a road trip to Lightning Ridge to fossil for a prized opal. Perhaps a road trip to Narabri to visit another rural town with a rich country heritage and its Radio Telescopes. Moree and district has so much to offer.
Watch a Moree sunset at a lake formed by a fallen meteor
Yarrie Lake is located at the edge of the Pilliga Scrub on the outskirts of Moree, and is said to have been formed by a fallen meteor thousands of years ago. The lakes perfectly round shape and sheltered position makes it a perfect breeding ground for birds, and over 70 unique and endangered species of birds are found along the lakes tree line. Be sure to catch a Moree sunset at the lake, where clear skies and the regions expansive plains make for a beautiful, saccharine sunset.
Wait a minute here. I am going to do just that and take a photo and transform that image into my next landscape. WOW!!! Isn’t life Grand???Watch a Moree sunset at a lake formed by a fallen meteor. What a brilliant idea. Should have thought of that one myself. I am so grateful to my Creator God for His gift of painting. Words will never be sufficient for my gratitude to Him.
Well, till-next-time, Diane.
This article is also published in Vocal Media:
