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The Mid North - Wirrabara
Wirrabara silos, painted by artist Sam Bates, who paints as Smug. Born in a rural New South Wales town, Smug has painted
internationally, and now lives in Glascow, Scotland. Wirrabara was his first painted silo and what a magnificent work of art
it is.
My favourite painted silo art, depicting the timber industry that once was the main stay of the area. This realistic detail
and the three dimension effect, created with intensity of colours, of this artwork is wonderful.
The woodcutter and the
Robin Red-breast appear to be out in front of the silos, by clever use of colours against a sepia background.
Even the public toilets in Wirrabara had murals. While these paintings appeared unsigned so I do not know who to credit with
this work, a close up of the Eucalyptus blossom show how well a few brush strokes can create such a great effect, so realistic that
the branches almost appear to wave in the breeze.
Low cost camping is available at the Wirrabara Football Oval, accessed from the north side of town. At the cost of $10 per person
per night and $5 per person per night unpowered sites, there are toilets, hot showers, and even a coin laundry. There is a dump
point on site, and this is free for the public to use. Pay at Wirrabara Craft House.
Ippinichie Campground is six
kilometres from Wirrabara. Previously managed by Forestry SA, Ippinichie Campground is now managed by The Department of Environment
and Water. There is no camping during the highest fire risk months, usually 1 November to 15 April but dates are subject to
change depending on seasonal conditions. There are pits toilets, and untreated water is available. Pets are permitted.
Self issue camping permits are obtained from the Forestry Office which is three kilometres past the campground along Forestry Road.
No fees are charged.
Yet another view of this magnificent silo art. Smug's signature above right.
The timber industry is depicted in the background artwork, and the paler shading gives depth looking back into the forest.
Taking
Smug only three weeks to paint, this truly is a masterpiece.
The details on the woodcutter's face is so realistic, and the tiny robin sitting on his shoulder is equally as well detailed.
Wirrabara gets its name from a corruption of two words from Kaurna (Adelaide Tribe) language “wirra” and “birra” gum trees and
running water and in the local Nukunu language “wira””parl” gum trees with honey and water.