Does the thought of driving down south fill you with excitement of the beauty and calmness that awaits?

That’s exactly the feeling that local South West artist Ian Mutch sought to capture in his artwork submission for the Bussell Highway interchange.

Ian is a widely featured artist, and while his artwork has been exhibited around the world, he’s well known in particular to the South West community where his magnificent whale adorns the Busselton Jetty and stunning black cockatoos feature in Margaret River.

That’s why it’s exciting to have Ian’s fresh and stylish design ready for painting. This unique piece features the local, native species of Banksia that is common to the Gelorup region and the root of its Wadandi name. Ian’s art, featured below this article, captures the aesthetic of this beautiful flora in the cool Makuru season (winter – June/July).


 Visualisation of the bridge and panels with artwork applied 

“My artwork features three species of Banksia that can be found in the Gelorup area with seasonal blooms and native bees. I’m constantly drawn to leaves, patterns and shapes in nature, and how species interact and rely on each other,” said Ian.

“I love these plants. To me they evoke the memory and feeling of being down south. I hope that the art brightens the development and the daily commute. Most of all, I hope the artwork can highlight and celebrate the natural beauty of the region.”

Despite Ian’s experience using different materials and methods in his artwork, the BORR opportunity provided a new challenge. There are limitations in how much detail can be portrayed on recessed concrete and it’s been a great experience for the already versatile artist.

As of now, the final design, screens and detail are in their final stages, so you’ll soon find Ian by the bridge and working his magic.

 In the meantime, Ian’s artwork can be found in galleries and murals around the region, on Instagram at @ianmutch, and for a limited period of time at the Margaret River Open Studios between 9 September and 24 September 2023.