All that has changed over the last couple of months since Joe began working on his Wallace Lane mural, the first in a string of colourful creations by artists in Macksville’s CBD.

“It’s been so cool to have the connection with town … I’ve been meeting so many people, it’s been a lot of fun,” Joe said.

“One guy, Malcolm, who comes by for a chat quite often, turned out to be our neighbour.”

The psychdelic landscape emerging from Joe’s brush accentuates the landmarks of the town … the Star Hotel, the Bridge Cafe, the river … and looks beyond to other treasures around the shire, such as Scotts Head.

“It’s a journey – when you look you can keep finding new things.”

Three years out of his Bachelor of Design and Visual Communication at UTS (University of Technology Sydney), Joe said his work is always colourful and positive with smiley faces and rainbows somewhat of a trademark.

“Reg Mombasa, Mambo and Jeremyville are my inspiration – their work has a positive message and humour.”

Aside from murals, animation, T-shirt designs and kinetic sculptures, often created on site at festivals, are other media he enjoys.

With the rockin' rhythms of Fleetwood Mac coming from his portable speaker and the Nambucca River sparkling behind him, yesterday afternoon (Tuesday) Joe was putting the finishing touches on his work … the black lines that make the picture truly come alive.

It’s taken well over 150 hours and it’s been a labour of love … Joe’s gift to Macksville, his sort-of home town.

To view more of his work check out www.neathway.net.

The story so far:

Felice’s fabulous vision

Mural madness begins

Coming to life before our eyes