TitleRiding the Wave of Noosa [artwork]Additional Information
The story behind my commissioned oil painting celebrating the Noosa lifestyle. By Simon Murray.
My family arrived in Noosa Heads in 1991 from Whale Beach, Sydney. Due to lack of paid employment with little money, however having plenty of inspiration, over time we rubbed two sticks together and made some businesses out of it:
Noosa Wetsuits 1991
The locals guide to the best eateries in Noosa Heads 1999
The locals guide to the best eateries on the Sunshine Coast 1999
AAA Wholesale Vehicles 2004
Sunshine Coast Disability Services Pty Ltd 2018
The painting is within the era that gave us a true feeling of contentedness. [It consists of]
myself riding the Noosa outer points, 1991; the old Simon Anderson thruster I was then riding on that very day, 1991; the old split screen 1963 kombi with the original accessories and Noosa wetsuit logo and font; my wife, Bobby, at the Main Beach with my eldest daughter Abella (5 years) sitting on her mother’s knee beside the original surf rod, mat and fins Bobby was riding in that era; my youngest daughter Georgia Rose (3 years) making sandcastles at Main Beach 1991. The last photo is of my devoted late brother Paul Murray who took the surfing photo; his favourite camera and shoulder and strap and of course myself, Simon Murray, looking pretty stoked on Main Beach, 1991.
The outcome of the painting I wanted was to analogue our love for Noosa while living the best years of our lives.
Footnote
In the early days people suggested we move back to Sydney because there was no future in Noosa for our children to grow and become educated. The painting thanks the community of Noosa for giving the seven wonders of the world at our doorstep. We played together, lived within our means, encouraged our children who grow straight and strong and became our best friends. Both girls acquired medical degrees, became mothers, and chose devoted husbands. I adore my wife Bobby of 38 years and look at the oil painting as a testament of content-fullness while in old age looking back at the best days of my life. PhotographerSimon MurrayImage NoNoosa Heads 1991painting celebrating the Noosa community
