After the artistic revelations in Rochester, we aimed for Colbinabbin, Victoria. Our aim? To experience Tim Bowtell's silo art. And we must say, his work here is monumental, easily the most expansive silo art installation we’ve encountered thus far on our travels.
Bowtell hasn't simply painted silos; he's transformed them into a visual narrative of Colbinabbin's history and community. He seems to have captured the spirit of the place and etched it onto these towering metal canvases. The scale is truly impressive.
The silos showcase scenes ranging from vintage picnics to the iconic machinery that has shaped the region. There's a beautifully rendered steam train, a nod to the railway heritage of Colbinabbin, a reminder of a bygone era. Bowtell captures the past in vivid detail.
And then there's the machinery. We saw a lovingly depicted vintage truck, proudly emblazoned with "Country Fire Authority," a subtle tribute to the local volunteer firefighters. A particular highlight is the image of the "Black Velvet" tractor.
The detail in the tractor and the sheer scale of the rendering, is remarkable.
The level of detail Bowtell achieves on such a large scale is astounding. The silos at Colbinabbin are more than just art; they're a living, breathing testament to the community's past and present. It’s art with a purpose.
The final silo showcased a racing tractor.
From our vantage point, we could admire his unique artistic take. It was quite magnificent to behold.
We left Colbinabbin with a renewed appreciation for the power of public art, and the talent of Tim Bowtell. If you find yourself anywhere near Colbinabbin, Victoria, we highly recommend a detour. You won't be disappointed.
