Blahuta's Ute

Early in the year we ran a feature about ‘Utes in the Paddock’ – a landmark project by several notable artists. In this article, one of those artists shares his story and some of his views … and describes the process of creating his own piece of an amazing collaborative work.

- Paul Blahuta

Paul Blahuta is an accomplished Australian artist who was initially reluctant to become involved in the ‘Utes in the Paddock’ project in western New South Wales. After much persuasion, however, he unleashed his talent on one of the ancient Holdens. The work he produced is called ‘Clean Running Backed by Ned’.

Originally from Brisbane, this artist now lives and works in Sydney. He has a Diploma in Graphic Arts – Visual Communication; and he has developed his own distinctive style.

“Unique Australian based cultural and historical people and events are of prime interest to me as an artist,” he says. “I like to explore and find various methods of delivering a message through all means available … including paint, colour, texture, form, line, tone; right through to marketing and placement, including presentation.”

Paul has nurtured his artistic passion since the age of seven.

“My mother set me up with an electric wheel and the materials to explore ceramics when I was seven years old,” he reveals. “I pursued ceramics until my late teens, in a prolific manner. This included a great deal of experimental work glazing ceramics at high temperatures with a kerosene draught kiln. I had no boundaries as an 11-year-old … letting loose with open fires or exposed draught kilns; mixing 20 litres of diesel with 20 litres of kerosene to achieve unique glazing effects at extreme stoneware temperatures.”

“I have never been a ‘hobby’ artist; not even as a child,” he continues. “After all, there are not too many parents who would let an 11-year-old fire a kiln to 1280 degrees C until 2.00 am for a stoneware glazing session. Even as a youngster, I was a determined artist committed to exploring new ground.”