There's Always Something - Ross McHutcheon

THERE’S ALWAYS
SOMETHING
Gallery Exhibition by Ross McHutcheon
A Journey Through Landscapes and Memory
Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre
9 March to 13 April 2024

About
Ross McHutcheon and
There’s Always
Something
Ross McHutcheon, a dedicated artist
whose passion for painting knows no
bounds, presents his first gallery
exhibition at Godinymayin. For Ross, this
achievement is not merely a milestone
but a testament to the profound role art
has played in his life.
From childhood to the present
day, art still remains my source
of joy and release.
As with many artists, Ross McHutcheon
finds boundless inspiration in the
landscapes and vibrant hues of the Big
Rivers region. Since embarking on his
latest artistic journey in 2022, the
region's allure has increasingly influenced
his creative process. Now, his weekends
and spare moments are consumed by art,
as thoughts of his next masterpiece has
become his new obsession!
There’s Always Something showcases a
captivating collection of both new and
cherished works, each one a testament to
McHutcheon’s deep connection to the
land—just take a look at the over 40
landscape and abstract pieces that fill the
Godinymayin gallery. Through his art,
Ross invites viewers to explore his unique
perspective on the world and his own
identity. For him, painting serves as a
means of self-explanation, revealing parts
of his personality, actions, and thoughts,
ultimately providing a deeper
understanding of himself and the world
around him.

Metamorphosis, Acrylic on canvas

“Through my paintings, I've been able to
interpret my life experiences artistically.
Music helps me block out distractions,
allowing me to immerse myself fully in the
creative process. When I paint, time
seems to slip away, and I often find myself
disconnected from the completed work,
lost in the flow of creation” says Ross
McHutcheon.
“Having the opportunity to present my
paintings in an exhibition, is something
that I'm proud to have achieved. I can
reflect on the joy that art has given me
throughout my life – despite the
interruptions. Art was my saviour as a
child and continues to be my release to
this day.”
McHutcheon hopes that visitors to
Godinymayin will find a similar familiarity
and wonder in this exhibition—expanding
their appreciation for the Big Rivers
region and beyond. A challenge to see
things differently in our gallery with
There’s Always Something.
Top Left: Devil’s Marbles Karlu Karlu
Middle Left: Nothings Safe
Bottom Left: Crimson Escarpment

Nymphs’ Playground
Acrylic on Canvas

A GLIMPSE INTO
THE STORIES AND
INSPIRATIONS
BEHIND EACH
MASTERPIECE
An interview with artist
Ross McHutcheon
With a lifetime of memories etched into
each brushstroke, McHutcheon welcomes
us into his world, where the landscapes of
his homeland become a canvas for stories
untold. Backhouse sat down with the
artist for a conversation about his
inspiration, method, and creative life.
Q: What first inspired you to pursue art?
A: I was always interested in art - even as
a very young child. I always remember my
love of art throughout primary school.
Being from a large family, we would
organise drawing competitions as
something fun and enjoyable. My
drawings and paintings were always
voted as the best, which made my life a
bit of a challenge at times with my older
sisters and brothers!
Q: Can you tell us about your
background and formal training in art?
A: I never studied Art in High School but
studied the teaching of Art to primary
students at College. It was at this time as
a very poor college student that I
discovered people were wanting to buy
my paintings. The first painting I sold was
to an art collector in Townsville. Following
this, I would sell paintings to lecturers and
employees at the college when I needed
money to repair my car or just to survive
as a student.
Q: How do you typically approach a new
piece of artwork?
A: I generally have a clear vision of what I
want to paint. Before I begin, I often
spend some time in contemplation,
gazing at a blank canvas. While I
occasionally refer to photographs for
specific details, I prefer to paint from
memory, allowing my mind to capture the
essence of the scene. My creative
process is heavily influenced by my
mood, and I find that my best paintings
emerge from a blend of preconceived
ideas and spontaneous inspiration. Deep
in thought, I often lose myself in the
,
A Rare Sight, Jasper Gorge
Acrylic on Canvas

music playing in the background, using it
to spark new ideas and refine the layout
of my composition. Once I've determined
the direction of a painting, I trust my
instincts to guide me, knowing intuitively
when a piece is coming together or when
it's time to start anew. Despite occasional
doubts, I always trust in my abilities and
allow my hands and mind to work in
harmony, ensuring that I never overthink
what I’m doing! I sometimes ask myself if I
really painted that?
Q: Do you have any rituals or routines
that help you get into the creative
mindset?
A: I usually need thinking time to start –
even if I know what I’m going to paint.
Music and noise inspire my creativity as I
become quite obsessive and lost in my
work. Once, I started painting at 7.30am
and finished painting at 1.30am the next
day – feeling satisfied and exhausted -
not even stopping to eat or drink!
Q: What Mediums and Techniques do
you prefer to work with, and why?
A: I’ve used oils, water colour, pastels and
acrylics, however I certainly prefer
acrylics because they are fast drying and
forgiving (I can cover the painting quickly,
if I’m unhappy with the result).
Can you share any memorable
breakthrough moments in your artistic
journey?
A: The moment when I sold my first
painting – realising people valued
something I had created enough to pay
for it was incredibly validating. It was this
moment that fueled my passion for art
and gave me the confidence to pursue it
further.
Moving to Katherine was also a turning
point in my journey when I felt a surge of
inspiration to actively pursue my craft.
Before this, my painting was mostly
limited to occasional commissions from
friends, but the change in scenery and
environment sparked a new creative
energy in me.
Q: Where do you draw inspiration from
for your artwork?
A:Nature is almost always my inspiration. I
love the patterns, shape, colour and
mystery of nature – in all its forms and
beauty. My thoughts and dreams are also
a huge catalyst for my work.
"McHutcheon’s work invites you on a
visual journey through the untamed
wilderness and captivating
landscapes of the Top End of
Australia"
Channel Country, Camooweal
Acrylic on canvas

Q: How do you hope your artwork
resonates with viewers?
A: I would like people to feel joy from my
pieces, to be challenged by some of my
paintings and of course, to have these
paintings in their homes as a
representation of something that stirs a
memory or a place that they someday
wish to visit. Art can mean anything to
anyone. Whatever you like is your choice.
I like everything – so I’m always satisfied
with what I do.
Q: What are your aspirations for the
future as an artist?
A: To remain passionate about painting
and to share this with others. (I believe I
can teach anyone to paint!) I’m neither a
listed artist nor a recognised artist – but
maybe one day!
Q: What advice would you give to artists
who are just starting their artistic
journey?
A: Be you and don’t be afraid of colour,
shape, design or paint. Copy and emulate
others but look at the changes you are
doing with your art and don’t be afraid to
experiment!
“Music and noise inspire my
creativity, I often become lost in
the creation process.”
Top Right: Connections
Middle Right: Salt Lake, Yulara/Alice Springs
Bottom Right: Leichardt Grasshopper

Gallery Pieces – Artist Ross McHutcheon
An Idea is Just That 515mm x 420mm
Jasper Gorge 1270mm x 965mm
Bottle Tree Bark Roma 1190mm x 930mm
Edith Falls 730mm x 1030mm
Tree of Knowledge, Barcaldine 795mm x 1050mm
Lilydale Hills, Winton 730mm x 1030mm
Crimson Escarpment 1045mm x 795mm
Devils Marbles, Karlu Karlu 1050mm 795mm
My Rocky Life 800mm x 1050mm
Sleeping Giant 1045mm x 750mm
Alien Landscape 815mm x 1070mm
Channel Country, Camooweal 1065mm x 815mm
The Pebbles, Tennant Creek 1065mm x 815mm
Nature’s Miracle, Victoria Highway 1030mm x 730mm
Nymphs’ Playground 425mm x 520mm
A Rare Sight, Jasper Gorge 865mm x 665mm
Metamorphosis 445mm x 540mm
Reaching Out, Oak Valley 710mm x 1000mm
Raging Skies, Jasper Gorge 1220mm x 950mm
Marching Termites - A Horror Story 430mm x 535mm
Connections 910mm x 1220mm
Leichardt Grasshopper 920mm x 610mm
Salt Lake, Yulara/Alice Springs 770mm x 945mm
Jasper Gorge 540mm x 435mm
Nothing’s Safe 570mm x 470mm
Get Up! 435mm x 535mm
What’s Left 770mm x 620mm
$590
$1,500
$3,640
$2,600
$2,600
$2,600
$1,400
$2,200
$3,200
$2,600
$2,600
$2,800
$2,600
$2,600
$590
$1,190
$590
$3,300
$4,130
$590
$800
$800
$4,180
$590
$550
$590
$890

Gallery Pieces – Artist Ross McHutcheon
Edith Falls in Miniature 440mm x 540mm
Termite Crown 620mm x 445mm
Field of Termites 445mm x 620mm
Game of Clones 435mm x 535mm
A Rocky Life 445mm x 620mm
Nature’s Magic 535mm x 430mm
Nature’s Architects 425mm x 540mm
Caranbirini Conservation Park 435mm x 535mm
A Way Out 725mm x 970mm
Reflecting on a Gumtree 665mm x 1320mm
Old Shed 525mm x 425mm
Red Hills 560mm x 460mm
Dancing Emus 425mm x 525mm
Cape Hillsborough 485mm x 360mm
Borroloola Lillies 720mm x 620mm
$590
$590
$590
$590
$590
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$590
$1,400
$1,250
$590
$640
$590
$590
$1,800

Reaching Out – Oak Valley
Acrylic on canvas

Godinymayin Yijard Rivers
Arts and Culture Centre
info@gyracc.org.au
PO Box 613, Katherine, NT
0850
Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and
Culture Centre was established in 2012 as
the flagship cultural facility for the
Katherine Region, and recently marked
our 10th anniversary as the region’s
gathering place. Our founders were a
visionary group of local artists, elders, civic
leaders, business owners, pastoralists,
educators, and government partners who
wanted to make a special place for the
community. And they did.
Over the past decade, Godinymayin has
become a community hub that now
presents theatre, music, cabaret,
exhibitions, lectures, comedy, cinema, and
civic events—and is also home to
workshops, conferences, corporate
functions, and hired activities of every
kind.
Our facilities comprise a welcoming lobby,
the Lambert Gallery for visual arts
programming, the K Space Gallery, the
Laneway Gallery, a cafe and retail shop,
and a large multi-function performing arts
venue and meeting space.
This year an expanded Godinymayin will
begin to appear. Thanks to a Northern
Territory Government Arts Trail
investment, we are developing expanded
indoor cultural facilities and a brand new
outdoor amphitheatre and covered deck
cafe area for the region's residents and
visitors to enjoy.
Our non-profit organisation is governed
by a board of 12 community leaders—
including representatives from the
Jawoyn, Wardaman and Dagoman people.
We are managed throughout the year by
a small team of dedicated arts
professionals who are passionate about
the the community, cultural identity, and
creative opportunities and celebrations.
We work hard to perpetuate and grow our
founding vision, and ensuring a special
place in Katherine where creativity,
culture, and heritage will always come
together and thrive. We at Godinymayin
are also grateful for the ongoing
partnership and exchanges with the
region’s arts centres, and to our principal
partners the Northern Territory
Government and Katherine Town Council.
In everything, we do, our organisation
acknowledges the Traditional Owners of
the land and region we inhabit—the
Jawoyn, Wardaman and Dagoman people
—and their Elders past, present, and
emerging.
Special Thanks to Godinymayin team for
their dedication and hard work during the
Wet Season: Caitlin Backhouse, Jessy
Moss, Brianna Lennard, Kyla St Jaye, Janet
Schultz, Roxy Collins, Wen Zheng, Talisha
Ellis and Eric Holowacz.
With your help and participation, our new
performance venue will bring great
cultural events and dry season
programming—and make a more dynamic
Katherine Region.
.

THERE’S ALWAYS
SOMETHING
Gallery Exhibition by Ross McHutcheon
A Journey Through Landscapes and Memory
Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre
9 March to 13 April 2024
Made possible by our generous sponsors