A remarkable transformation is taking place in the motor racing city of Bathurst, and it's all thanks to the incredible talent of self-taught artist Callum Hotham.
Callum, a former stonemason, picked up a spray can just four years ago, and since then, his journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Today, he's one of the most recognizable artists in his hometown, leaving his unique mark on the city's landscape.
In a span of three years, Callum's murals have adorned the walls of approximately 25 schools, businesses, and sports clubs, breathing new life into the city's spaces. But here's where it gets controversial... Callum's art isn't just about aesthetics; it's about capturing the spirit and essence of the community.
"Imprinting the city with the faces of its community is a humbling experience," Callum shares. "I was a little kid here, and now I'm leaving something that's going to be here longer than me."
The catalyst for this artistic renaissance was retired real estate agent Peter Rogers, who sought to revive the city's center. "I'm trying to improve our CBD—I believe Bathurst is dead," Mr. Rogers declares.
And so, inspired by a massive brick wall, 50 meters wide and 10 meters high, Callum embarked on his mission. Three months later, the old department store, once a hub for workers from the region's historic gold mines, was transformed into a vibrant reflection of the town's past.
The results speak for themselves. "Now we're getting people from all over Australia coming to look because it's actually on the Silo Art Trail," Mr. Rogers exclaims. "I commissioned it to spark interest and inspire others to create murals in town."
But how did Callum, a self-taught artist, develop such a unique and hyper-realistic style? It all began during the COVID lockdown in Sydney, where he found inspiration in the city's street art. "It was perfect timing to pick up a new skill since I wasn't doing much else," he recalls.
Starting with pens and paints, he eventually fell in love with the technical challenge of spray painting. "It's not just about getting better at painting; it's about mastering the control of the can, which is incredibly fascinating," he explains.
Callum's style evolved during his time in Sydney, where he painted for businesses in the city's west, including a project at NRL star Nathan Cleary's brewery. But it was his return to Bathurst that truly ignited the demand for his work.
"[Peter Rogers] really sparked the momentum... it made people realize what was possible for the town," Callum says. And indeed, the demand for his murals is immense.
One of Callum's most personal pieces is a mural of Bob Clancy, the "lovable" founder of the Bathurst City Colts, on the wall of his childhood cricket club. "He's such a lovely fella, and everyone knows him for that... I wanted him to have a slight grin because that just captures his character," Callum explains.
South Bathurst butcher Kyle Keen, witnessing the city's revival through art, wanted to bring the same vibrancy to his own space. His business sits on the road leading to the iconic Bathurst 1000, and he wanted to incorporate this identity into the artwork.
"We're trying to create something like the silo art," Mr. Keen says. "Hopefully, this, and all of Callum's other murals, will become a tourism drawcard, where people can explore and appreciate them."
Mr. Keen also believes the murals bring joy to his regular customers. "The amount of people who come through the shop every day and say how lovely it looks is just so good," he adds.
Maryanne Jaques from ArtsOutWest describes Callum as an "exciting" artist, not just because he's from Bathurst but also because of his self-taught talent. "If he were painting a couple of hundred years ago, he'd be the go-to artist for portraits among the rich and famous," she says.
Ms. Jaques believes businesses can benefit from advertising while contributing to public art for the community. "Bathurst feels incredibly proud of these works," she adds. "Every time Callum creates a new piece, I see so many comments on social media from locals celebrating and championing one of their own."
Callum is deeply grateful for the town's response to his work. "The impact of my work is so much bigger than me. I just hope people appreciate it and it makes their day a little brighter."
And so, as Callum continues to leave his mark on Bathurst, the city's transformation is a testament to the power of art, community, and the incredible talent of a self-taught artist.
