The concept, developed as part of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail Enhancements Project, is titled Birds of Seasons and captures artist Ronan Holdsworth's unique style, his appreciation for the natural environment and inspired use of colour.
It also includes themes identified as important by the community during community consultation sessions last year, including viticulture, Gold Rush and First Nations history, native flora and fauna, and agriculture.
To progress the detailed design for the Rutherglen silo murals, Tourism North East, in collaboration with Indigo Shire Council, facilitated several community consultation opportunities throughout November and December 2024.
More than 50 participants attended an in-person discussion held in Rutherglen on November 27, 2024, and 77 survey responses were received.
Insights and feedback gathered from the community in November and December last year were invaluable in supporting Ronan Holdsworth to develop his creative response to the brief for the site - ‘Deep Roots’.
This final design captures Ronan’s unique style, his appreciation for the natural environment and his inspired use of colour.
The final design has been approved by the Project Steering Group, the panel members of which include Indigo Shire Council, Tourism North East, the silo asset owner, a member of the Rutherglen Community and the Project Creative Director.
From the artist:
‘Birds of Seasons’ celebrates the local fauna that subtly guides the rhythm of life in the region. These small, beautiful birds have historically played a vital role in signalling the changing seasons to First Nations peoples and farmers alike.
The migratory birds, native blooms and position of the sun on each individual silo work together to represent each of the four seasons.
Within the forms of these birds, intricate details reveal seasonal crops, golden veins and specific markings inspired by goldrush-era maps, and unique land patterns informed by stories and lore from the local community. The combination of these elements intertwines past and present, nature and culture.
This mural series invites viewers to appreciate the intricate connections between wildlife, the land and the seasonal cycles that define the region.’
Silo artwork from left to right:
Winter - The Eastern Spinebill Honeyeater & Common Heath
Autumn - The Red-Capped Robin & Billy Buttons
Summer - The Yellow-Tufted Honeyeater & River Red Gum
Spring - The Pink Robin & Flannel Flowers
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