Imagine discovering a hidden world of creativity blooming in the vast Queensland countryside, where artists turn rugged landscapes into masterpieces that captivate the soul— but what if the real story lies in the unexpected journeys of two women who defied age and expectations to make their mark?
Dive into the inspiring tales of Marion Moore and Zarabella Bambling, two trailblazers reshaping the bush art landscape in Queensland. From humble beginnings to celebrated exhibitions, their stories highlight how passion can thrive in remote settings, offering a fresh perspective on regional creativity.
Marion Moore, a remarkable 101-year-old, describes herself as a late starter in the world of painting. It wasn't until she reached her mid-30s that she started transforming imagined scenes of the bush into vibrant realities, using house paint on discarded soapboxes as her canvas. This artistic awakening happened back in 1960, and over the ensuing six decades, she's refined her craft during quiet interludes, decorating the walls of her family's outback homestead.
You might think that living on the highest hill of her cattle ranch, dubbed The Peaks, near Mitchell—about 550 kilometers west of Brisbane—was the spark for her iconic depictions of the Australian bush. But Moore insists her creative impulse is something innate, woven into her very being. "I believe it's just part of who I am," she shares, reflecting on her lifelong affection for the land, with its trees and flowers holding a special place in her heart.
And this is the part most people miss: despite her fame for warm hospitality in the Mitchell community, Moore has always been surprisingly modest about her artwork. It required gentle persuasion from her daughter-in-law to convince her to remove the paintings from The Peaks and showcase them in a local exhibition. "There are 68 pieces—all of them were hanging right here in the house," Moore explains while enjoying a cup of tea amid now-empty walls. "It feels strangely vacant without them."
In interviews with the ABC, Moore swiftly shifts focus from her own achievements to her loved ones, discussing her late husband John, who passed in 1979, along with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Throughout her 101 years, she's worn many hats: as a wartime nurse during World War II, a rancher on the family land, a devoted mother and grandmother, and finally, an artist whose work has been exhibited publicly.
When questioned if any of her grandchildren have picked up her artistic flair, she grins. "I reckon there's just one who's ever tried wielding a paintbrush," she says.
But here's where it gets controversial: while Moore's path was one of quiet dedication, Zarabella Bambling is paving a bold, modern route in the art world. Just a brief drive from The Peaks, this 23-year-old is building her career in a friend's garage in Roma, surrounded by camping supplies, a beer fridge, and milk crates. She specializes in impressionist bush landscapes— a style that captures the essence of a scene through loose brushstrokes and vibrant colors, rather than precise details, making it feel alive and immediate, perfect for beginners to grasp as a way to evoke emotion over exactness.
Bambling recently celebrated her debut solo show, "Romance in the Land," in her hometown of Gayndah, where 22 out of her 25 pieces found buyers. Unlike Moore, she's outspoken about her creations. After leaving her role in local government communications to pursue art full-time, she's embraced the power of self-promotion. "I relocated to Roma in July last year, juggling a day job while handling commissions on weekends," she recalls. "I'd sit at my desk, daydreaming about my ideas, and finally thought, 'It's time to give this a real shot.'"
Social media has been her game-changer, extending her reach beyond Queensland's borders. "I decided to focus deliberately on boosting my online presence, which led to a surge in followers," she notes. "Commissions have come from places like Perth, Victoria, and even Charters Towers." The strategy worked wonders: Bambling now boasts over 8,000 followers, 40 pending commissions, and an upcoming exhibition in Roma slated for late 2026.
Regional galleries are pivotal in this artistic renaissance. Helen Dennis, president of the Lapunyah Art Gallery in Chinchilla, views Moore and Bambling's experiences as proof of a vibrant bush art community. "Truthfully, we enjoy greater chances here in regional Queensland, largely thanks to our ties with local galleries," she asserts. Dennis emphasizes that these spaces do more than display art; they nurture it by venturing outside their walls to mentor artists and foster creativity. "Our mission is to spark and support artistic and cultural expression," she adds.
While Moore's style leans traditional, and Bambling identifies as a daring impressionist, Dennis points out the rise of contemporary artists in the regions. "We're seeing plenty of young talents and newcomers to the area," she says. "To keep our community thriving, we must stay current and innovative."
Now, circling back to the beginning: as the art scene in Queensland's bush continues to flourish—with Bambling's commissions piling up and Dennis's gallery adapting—Moore has chosen to step back, noting her hands are no longer steady enough for painting. Her pieces, having endured the spotlight, have returned to their rightful place at The Peaks.
This evolution in bush art raises intriguing questions: Do you believe innate talent trumps formal training, or is self-promotion the true key to success in today's digital age? Is it fair to compare the quiet dedication of a 101-year-old with a young artist's bold social media push? Share your thoughts below—what's your take on how regional art scenes can stay relevant and inspiring?
