Winston Walford Aboriginal Artist

Today I had the privilege to hang out with (Rex) Winston Walford an Aboriginal artist with a fascinating story and an amazing talent. Born in 1968 and a descendent of of the Kamilaroi / Gumilaroi nation, Rex was adopted and raised by a white Australian family, The Winstons, and grew up at Nyngan. The Winston's adopted Rex as their son after his very young mother was not in a position to care for her baby. Not long after his adoption, Mrs Winston fell pregnant and went on to have 3 children. Rex grew up in a loving home with his three siblings, but he always felt the odd one out. He had a longing to find out more about his Aboriginal family. He finally had the opportunity to connect with his birth mother, (Walford) when he was 30 and since then was able to meet his very extended family, many who are highly respected leaders in the Aboriginal community.

I was fascinated as Rex told me the story of his past and how he became part of two families. As an artist Rex works out of his adoptive parents home in Mitchell Island, and this is where I visited him today.

Rex is self taught and has emerged as a vibrant commercial artist, his work is held in various private collections nationally and internationally plus one public work to date. He didn't actually start painting until 2005, and then there was no looking back. His ability to produce modern Aboriginal art that looks good in stylish homes is his niche, and he has been commissioned many times to produce a piece that fits in with an existing decor. But there is something rather unusual about this Aboriginal artist as he has reproduced some of his works into towels! Yes, towels! The Aboriginal art towels sell for $95 on his website and I am impressed with the quality and of course the artwork. Personally, I think they would also make a fantastic wall hanging.

Photo supplied Rex Winston Walford

Now the towels are rather unique but there is more! Much more! Rex has been putting his designs on guitars and this Tolvanen Sisu is absolutely a work of art! This photo I took today as Rex has nearly completed this design. As you can see it is stunning.

I didn't think Rex could put another feather in his cap, but oh yes he did! He has actually created paintings from people's thumb prints! This is no easy task because there's a lot of work in getting the print, doing some fine turning on a computer, then tracing this on to a canvas and producing the artwork. It really is sensational! The photo below is one of the artworks that has been created by a thumb print. As Rex explained to me, it's a different sort of 'portrait' of someone.

Photo: Rex Winston Walford

You can commission Rex to create art for your home or office.

I have a feeling we are going to be hearing a lot more about Rex Winston Walford. I'm sure he is destined for even bigger things.

This is just a short introduction to Rex Winston Waldford, hop on his website for more information www.winstonwalford.com.au

Awards In 2012 Winston was awarded the People Choice Award in the Wollotuka Acquisitive Art Prize and has been a finalist on numerous occasions in the Parliament of NSW Aboriginal Art Prize and was commended in 2010.

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