The countdown is on for the highly anticipated 2025 CREATE festival.
A time when locals, visitors, friends and family are invited to relish in the region’s creative talents and explore the endless possibilities of this year’s theme ‘Dream’ by waking up to ‘a shire transformed into a living canvas for 16 days’, reflecting the beauty and imagination of our vibrant community.
While the festival’s official opening night is February 28, attendees will be treated to a sneak peek of the goodness this Thursday, February 27, with the unveiling of the ‘A Country Dream’ exhibition at The Palmer Pop-Up Gallery located at The Tourist Hotel.
The magical power of collaboration will be on display as award-winning landscape artist Deb Michell-Smith, country-themed watercolour artist Pip Donaldson, and local flower grower and photographer Tilla Winston-Smith join forces to celebrate the beauty and spirit of country life.
The ‘A Country Dream’ exhibition will feature a stunning collection of works that explore rural landscapes, country themes, and the delicate beauty of flowers captured through photography and art.
Now in its fifth year, CREATE is hosted by Narrabri Shire Council and the festival encourages attendees – of all ages and backgrounds – to engage with hidden talents, be inspired by collective imagination, and let your own dreams take flight on this unforgettable journey of creativity and connection. From inspiring workshops to captivating performances, community creativity and innovation will be celebrated across the Shire.
In today’s edition, Ali Smith and Genevieve Maunder from The Courier were lucky enough to conduct Question and Answer sessions with the talented trio of local artists behind the ‘A Country Dream’ exhibition.
PIP DONALDSON
Power of collaboration Question: Congrats! What a trio – how did this fabulous collaboration happen?
Answer: I am fortunate to have connected with Deb through the CREATE festival last year. Deb has been a fabulous mentor to me in the art space and she has introduced me to many creatives and small business owners like Tilla. Both Til and Deb have warmly welcomed me into the small business community. I am forever grateful that they invited me to be part of this opportunity.
Q: Is it more fun working with other people?
A: It is great working with Deb and Til because we bring different skills and ideas to the planning, preparation and the operation of the Pop-Up gallery. We work harmoniously and complement each other in all aspects. Our support team is much wider than us: our families, the Tourist hotel community, local framing businesses, suppliers, the CREATE community, friends… the list goes on.
Hometown crowd Q: Are you nervous, excited or a bit of both about being part of an exhibition at home?
A: Yes, it is always daunting showcasing art! It is open to public viewing and scrutiny. I have found the hometown crowd supportive of my work which is a blessing.
Q: Is there a story behind the name of the exhibition – A Country Dream?
A: A Country dream: from up north, to local agriculture and farmhouse garden.
Showtime Q: What can we expect at The Palmer Pop-up exhibition?
A: We are opening at 6:30pm. You can expect a range of styles from me. I have birds, John Deere, a cheeky bull, Ag bikes, hats and boots. All things Ag and rural based. Deb, Til and I have arranged for complimentary drinks on arrival and some fabulous cheese boards.
There will also be a small number of prints available to purchase for those who would like some art for their space at a smaller price.
Hats off to you! Q: You don’t just paint hats, you also wear many hats …at just 25 you are already an artist, school psychologist and fifth generation farmer – which is your favourite hat to wear? And do all your roles wind in together somehow?
A: I do juggle many hats, psychology, art, helping on the family farm and planning a wedding to name a few…
Art is beneficial for me because it is a way that I care for my wellbeing which is essential to being a healthcare professional. It provides me with respite, an identity outside of my profession, my and a sense of mastery.
Q: And, can you also share with us a little bit more about your passion for supporting mental health and improving access and outcomes in rural communities?
A: I am dedicated to increasing access and availability to psychological services in rural and remote communities like our own. We have a lot of mental health awareness which is great but clinical services are really important to cater to this demand.
Inspo Q: You’re a great artist, where did you learn to paint? And hat inspires you – we’ve seen on Instagram that your amazing family is a huge part of your life and constantly supporting you in this creative space, how important is this connection to family and the art you produce?
A: I taught myself how to paint and have continually practiced. People say that I have talent, but I genuinely believe that it is practice, patience, learning and trying new things. I did well in grade 12 visual art at school which has helped. I must say that Dad taught me how to paint as a kid. He is very creative and clever with oil painting and drawing. It is important for me to showcase agriculture, rural life and the mundane in my art. There is so much character in an old worn-out boot or hat! I am looking to expand my rapporteur and to continue to grow my skills. Finding time can be a challenge.
Life on the land Q: You grew up on a cattle and cropping property near Boggabri and Wee Waarians would also be quick to claim you as their own– our beautiful region is reflected in your work, what makes you love calling the region home?
A: I love this region because it is beautiful. Our family have been farming in Willala for 150 years. Our family farm has a 180-degree view of the Coonabarabran, Gunnedah, Boggabri, Tamworth and Narrabri mountains. I am so lucky to call Willala home. I love cows, being outdoors and working hard. While I currently live on a farm near Wee Waa, home is still Willala and it always will be. I have many fond memories of growing up on the land that will be cherished for life. If only I could be a farmer, painter and psychologist…
Hobby to hustle Q: Did painting start out as something that you enjoyed doing but then (because you’re clearly brilliant at it) turn into a source of income? And what’s your advice on the transition to the business side of things? How do you make sure you still enjoy your craft?
A: There are times where I don’t enjoy art and I think that it’s okay. This was even the case before I made it a business. I have learnt that I need to paint for myself so that is why I have limited spots for commissions. I would encourage other creatives to create for themselves and do what they feel inspired to do! Changing a hobby into a business = paperwork and administration. I am fairly good with creating, not so good at administration.
Country era Q: Cowboys and country seem to be having their moment – even Beyonce is wearing cowboy hats! Why do you think country is such a cool theme? And will the trend last?
A: It is a cool theme, and I am lucky that my art ties in well. However, I think it will pass like most trends do. I am not going to put myself in one category because my art can evolve. I am loving Australian ringers, they’re cheeky, casual and not so well put together than the American Western style cowboys and girls. I would like my art to showcase all aspects of Australian agriculture.
YAY or NAY to social media? Q: There is a negative side to social media but there are benefits – we love following Pippy Paints on Instagram and seeing more of the story behind what you do. Has Instagram helped you share what you do?
A: Instagram has helped me grow my art business. I have found that reels have given me traction beyond a local audience. As such, a large portion of my followers and are from the Northern Territory and North Queensland. I don’t think that I would’ve reached this audience without my social media. When used for a business, social media has been great!
Where does the MAGIC happen? Q: Describe your work/studio space?
A: I currently have a studio at home, but the beauty of watercolour is that it is portable. My studio can be on the veranda, living room, a paddock, the office or the dining table. It depends how hot it is and where I want to be.
Q: Dare to Dream is one of the themes of CREATE this year – what’s next? You spent time working up north in the Kimberley, will we be seeing a series inspired by that beautiful region?
A: I will be leaning into the Australian jillaroo and jackaroo space. I love the Kimberley and life on stations. Perhaps that’s where I will go next… who knows!
TILLA WINSTON-SMITH
Power of collaboration Q: Congrats! What a trio – how did this fabulous collaboration happen?
A: All credit must go to Deb Michell-Smith for bringing the three of us together for this exhibition and pop-up gallery. It is designed to run in conjunction with the CREATE Festival. And we are very lucky to be popping up in the Palmer Gallery at The Tourist Hotel.
Q: Is it more fun working with other people?
A: For me growing cut flowers is actually quite a solitary job. Most mornings I’m out picking, processing and bunching in the early morning on my own. So, for me it has been such a joy working with Deb and Pip on the exhibition for the last couple of months, planning and bouncing ideas around to each other. It is also my very first time showing my photography work in an exhibition like this, so there is comfort sharing the experience with established artists like Deb and Pip. It’s a bit nerve- racking putting your creations out into the world so to do it with friends really helps with the nerves.
Q: Is working with other people something you enjoy; you work with local florists and seem to have great relationships with other local flower growers too?
A: I definitely enjoy working with other people and have built and continue to build strong relationships with local florists. We are so lucky to have local florists who appreciate and support local flower growers.
I feel very lucky to have a group of local flower growers to share knowledge and the trials and tribulations with each other. Annabelle Guest, Sara Wheaton, Paula Dean and Lauren Eather have become close friends and we try to gather together regularly to share ideas and new growing techniques we’ve tried. We’ve also joined forces last year and taken our produce to local markets.
Home town crowd Q: Are you nervous, excited or a bit of both about being part of an exhibition at home?
A: Oh my gosh! I have been so nervous about putting my photography work out into the world for all to see!! However, it has also been an exciting process getting test prints done and seeing the photographs framed up. I have learnt so much during this process.
Combining forces with Deb and Pip has definitely helped with the nerves. They have been so encouraging and supportive.
Journey to today Q: We understand you started giving flowers from your garden to friends and your flower farmer career blossomed from there – can you tell us about your journey to a local leader in the flower farmer phenomenon and an amazing photographer?
A: Ha! That is all very generous! When I first moved to Narrabri, I was actually a registered nurse working at the hospital. I got married and had three babies in three years!
Gardening and in particular growing cut flowers started as a hobby and an interest while I was home with my little people.
I started growing cut flowers in 2017 with the goal to be able to gift bouquets to my friends on their birthday. I never thought I would one day be selling them wholesale to local florists! Then slowly over the years as my confidence grew, I have increased my growing area and experimented with the varieties that work best for me and the climate. We were very lucky to move into my in-laws house and garden in 2017 and there was existing established trees and protection from the hot westerly winds which I think made a big difference between success and failure. There has been a lot of dead plants along the way though as I learnt what worked best in our often times harsh climate. I then started to learn to photograph and capture the flowers I was growing but got frustrated with the iPhone not picking up the true colours of the flowers. My husband Will gave me a beginner Canon camera for Christmas a few years ago and I have done a couple of photography courses since then. I’m loving this new skill and capturing the details and colours in the flowers I grow.
Q: Did you do a number of courses or how did you learn to be such a good flower farmer and photographer? Are they both things you started off doing for enjoyment?
A: Again, very generous of you. Yes, I have done quite a few courses in flower farming, flower arranging and now photography over the years. I do seem to love to continually learn and everything seems to have just naturally progressed over the years to get to this point.
Hobby to hustle Q: what’s your advice regarding the transition to the business side of things? (How do you make sure you still enjoy being in your garden taking photos while also turning it into a business?)
A: Such a good question! Sometimes it can get a bit overwhelming with what has to be done outside. It is quite a juggle at times, but my business has grown very slowly over the years since 2018. I have also gotten better at saying ‘yes’ to what I can do and to saying ‘no’ to what will push me into being a bit stressed.
Q: And, if someone had told you 10 years ago that you would be gracing the pages of magazines in your garden surrounded by the flowers you sell to florists and exhibiting your photography at CREATE – what would you say to them?
A: I would not believe them! I had no idea I would end up living such a creative life and that it would have turned into a business! It has been such a gradual journey but one that I’m so happy with. I absolutely love where we live and being able to share my flowers and now photography with the local Narrabri community brings a wonderful sense of purpose to my life.
Q: What would your advice be to anyone with a passion that’s keen to plant ‘the seed of an idea’ but isn’t quite sure what to do next?
A: Just start the thing. The more you do it and practice it, the easier it becomes. Talk to people who are already doing it and start asking questions. Invest time in building relationships with these people.
Inspo Q: What/who inspires you?
A: I get lots of inspiration from meeting up with my local flower growing friends. Annabelle Guest, Sara Wheaton, Paula Dean and Lauren Eather. We try to meet regularly, and someone is always trying something new, and I always leave feeling inspired by them.
DEB MICHELL-SMITH
Power of collaboration Q: Congrats! What a trio – how did this fabulous collaboration happen? And is it better/more fun working with other people and why?
A: Working with other artists has been such a rewarding experience. While creating art can often be a solitary process, collaborating with Pip and Tilla has brought fresh energy and inspiration to my own practice. We each have our unique strengths and styles, but our shared love for the Australian landscape and rural life ties it all together beautifully. Bouncing ideas off each other, sharing stories, and supporting one another through the creative process has definitely made the journey more enjoyable and fulfilling. There’s something special about seeing your work alongside others who share your passion – it feels like a true celebration of what we love.
Hometown crowd Q: You’ve exhibited at home before but do you find it exciting, nerve-racking or a bit of both being part of an exhibition at home? (we’re sure the local feedback has been fabulous so far…)
A: The positive feedback from the local community has been incredible – it’s such an exciting feeling and really reassures us that we’re on the right track. At the same time, it is nerve-racking because my work is a personal reflection of life as I see it, and I always hope that others will connect with and appreciate it too.
What’s in a name…Is there a story behind the name of the exhibition – A Country Dream?
A: Yes, the exhibition is part of our local CREATE festival, and the theme for 2025 is DREAM. We drew inspiration from that and came up with A Country Dream because each of us is deeply connected to country life – it’s at the heart of what inspires our work.
Story behind your skills Q: We understand you studied a Bachelor of Visual Arts at The University of Southern QLD, can you tell us a little bit about your journey to becoming an award-winning artist? What inspired you to first pick up a paintbrush? And did you ever go down another career path? Or would you?
A: I studied Visual Arts after finishing school, starting with two years at university in Darwin, where I focused on printmaking and drawing in the Fine Arts department. The strong Aboriginal influence there was inspiring, and I absolutely loved my time in the Northern Territory. I then moved closer to home to complete my studies in Toowoomba at the University of Southern Queensland.
Art and colour have always fascinated me, but a turning point came when I contracted Ross River Fever a few years ago. During my recovery, I picked up a paintbrush again – and I haven’t stopped since. Now that I’m older, I feel more confident painting from the heart, focusing on what I truly want to create rather than following trends.
In between, I owned an interiors and gift store for about six years, and spent a lot of time following my children’s activities, especially with sport and horses. Now that life has slowed down a little, I have the time to focus on my art again – and I genuinely love every moment of painting!
Inspo Q: What/who inspires you?
A: I’m inspired by Australian artists like Tim Storrier and Sidney Nolan, who so beautifully captured the outback landscape and the spirit of its people. And I love to travel and take photos.
Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given as an artist and piece of advice you pass on to other artists?
A: The best advice I’ve ever been given as an artist is simple but powerful: Do what you love! It’s something I always pass on to other artists as well.
Q: Art for many people can be an outlet, something that brings them joy but when you’re selling artworks and trying to generate income as an artist, what would your advice be for balancing and navigating the business side of the art world while still enjoying what you do?
A: Balancing the creative side of art with the business side can be challenging, but my advice is to keep learning. Take courses, enter art prizes, and join groups like Regional Arts NSW – they offer invaluable tools and support to help you navigate the art world while still finding joy in what you do.
Straight to the pool room Q: We looked at your Artist CV online and it is very impressive! Of all your recognitions, which ones hold the most significance to you and why? And with the prizes, where do you put them? Do you have a pool room?
A: Haha, no, I don’t have a pool room! While I’m grateful for every recognition, I don’t dwell on them too much because I’m always focused on creating new work and exploring new ideas. Right now, I’m working on a portrait project celebrating women in remote agriculture. This project will take time, but I believe it will be significant in highlighting the strength of women and the changes happening in the agricultural industry.
Life on the land Q: A common thread with the three of you is the way you all reflect our region in your works –– what do you love about the Narrabri region and calling it home?
A: I love the strong sense of community in Narrabri – the slower pace of life in regional Australia is something I truly cherish. I also love being on the land, surrounded by its beauty every day. What makes it even more special is how positive and supportive everyone has been about what we’re doing.
Q: We understand the spectacular Kimberley region in WA is the inspiration behind some of your artworks. The colours, the raw beauty, the ruggedness, the characters – there’s so much to love about the Kimberley but can you tell us a little bit about what aspects of the Kimberley captivated you most and have influenced your art? (And also, a little snapshot of your process?)
A: The colours and raw beauty of the Kimberley landscape completely captivated me when we visited last year. The people also left a lasting impression – they’re incredibly friendly, welcoming, and wonderfully laid-back, which I think comes naturally when you live in such an isolated and rugged area. We drove up, so I spent a lot of time drawing and doing watercolour sketches in my sketchbook along the way, capturing the vibrant colours and unique landscape. I also took plenty of photos of the wildlife and birdlife with a camera I bought (with some helpful advice from Tilla), and those images now help me weave stories into my paintings.
YAY or NAY to social media? – Q: There is a negative side to social media but there are benefits too – we love following you on Instagram. Has Instagram and the storytelling side of it helped you share what you do in a positive way?
A: Yes, I’m not an expert at Instagram, but it’s a fantastic platform for creative people like me. It allows me to share my work, connect with others, and tell the stories behind my art in a really positive and inspiring way.
Where does the MAGIC happen? Q: Describe your work/studio space?
A: My paintings are created in my small studio at home. I usually turn on Spotify and listen to something upbeat, like country music, especially when I’m working on my Kimberley series.
Showtime Q: What can we expect on opening night? We all know it’s tricky to talk about ourselves, so instead …in a few words, how would you describe the style of your fellow exhibitors at ‘A Country Dream’ exhibition opening on Feb. 27 at The Tourist’s Palmer Room location?
From Tilla expect … A stunning collection of photographic prints featuring homegrown flowers – they’re absolutely spectacular! Plus, there might even be some freshly grown flowers available to take home.
From Pip expect … A beautiful range of country-inspired watercolours, including a John Deere series of tractors and headers. Pip has an incredible talent for capturing anything in watercolour – I’m a bit jealous because I find watercolour quite challenging myself!
Q: And, if you were to describe your style and work – what would you say?
A: As for my own style, my paintings tend to be on the larger side compared to Tilla and Pip’s works. They’re vibrant, colourful stories reflecting life in the Kimberley, and I use a lot of repetition and line painted in acrylic on framed canvas.
Q: Dare to Dream is one of the themes of CREATE this year – what’s next? Do you have any big goals, hopes and dreams for 2025?
A: I have a few exhibitions lined up this year, and as I mentioned earlier, I’m working on the Women in Remote Agriculture project, which will be ongoing over the next year or two. One of my big goals is to enter the Wynne and the Archibald Prizes – becoming a finalist one day would be a dream. As they say, you have to be in it to win it!
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