One of outback Queensland’s unique artists will be recognised internationally when Australian junior rodeo competitors travel to America this month.
Living and working on Boonderoo cattle station, north of Hughenden, Sharon Fayers was looking for a niche market for something to do in her spare time.
While having a passion for art and design, Sharon stumbled into painting and decorating feathers and established her business Bush Whispers in 2016.
Creating custom hand painted feathers, her artwork is suited to the individual and made to sit in a hat, or hang from leather or lace.
Bush Whispers quickly become a household name in the Australian rodeo industry, but Sharon was excited when the Australian Junior Rodeo Association approached her about making unique feathers for junior competitors travelling to the USA.
Her decision was supported by Julia Creek businesses who also jumped on board for sponsorship including Corrina’s Catering, KW Murphy Holdings, Julia Creek Hardware and CK Bucking String.
Sharon was overwhelmed by the support from local businesses assisting not only rodeo competitors from north west Queensland but as far as Victoria and Western Australia.
“It is amazing to think that my feathers are going to be seen overseas. I hope they catch competitors eyes but mostly I hope the kids like them,” she said.
“My children also compete in rodeo, so it is supporting the sport that they love and their dreams of wanting to compete in America someday too.”
Sharon said it was not easy sourcing feathers for her creations.
“I have some local gathers who sometimes bring me a bag of feathers but I do have to buy them sometimes,” she said.
“I try and find feathers myself, I love black cockatoo feathers but it is hard to find good quality feathers.
“Before painting the feathers I put a coating of clear spray paint to hold it all together, otherwise it can ruin the feather before you’ve completed it.”
This will not be the first time Sharon has showcased her talent.
Many years ago she was approached to come up with an idea for the famous Dirt n Dust triathlon in Julia Creek.
Her artistic talents saw her draw the well known Roobok man - originally on a bike in his hat and swimmers, but has since been drawn on a bull.
The Roobok man is now recognised as an iconic emblem world wide with the merchandise for the Dirt n Dust festival all carrying his famous figure.