30 Local News Thursday, January 15, 2026
Tweed Valley Weekly Locals Supporting Locals
Knitted masterpieces Swell seeks bold artists By Rada Campbell
THE MESSY BATH MONSTER, written by Uki children’s book author Tina Wilson, features dozens of bizarre marine creatures, all knitted by Tina’s mum Joan Wilson. The wild and wobbly adventure, set in the depths of a bathtub, follows the adventures of Monkey, who knows there’s a monster hiding in the bathroom because it leaves a huge mess and puddles behind. But where can it be? Monkey resolutely puts on his knitted bathers and plunges through the plughole into a vibrant marine life seething with schools of coloured fish, crabs, starfish, sea anemones, an octopus, a whale and many more creations. But these are not digital beings. They are each hand-knitted by Tina’s mum Joan, who has the quirky mind of a New York avant-garde artist. Eighty-year-old Joan was a farmer in Snake Valley her whole life but that wasn’t enough for her colourful imagination. The Weekly spoke to Joan about her life and amazing creations. What kind of farmer were you in Snake Valley and how long were you farming there? We ran a sheep farm on 400 acres. I was there for 55 years, but the farm began in the 1860s. When did you first start knitting all these strange objects? I began knitting and crocheting when I was about 8. No one would teach me so I decided to teach myself and have been doing it ever since. What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever knitted and why? The hardest thing I have made was the international space station. That took some thinking out How do you like working with your daughter and seeing your creations come to life in her books? I knitted toys for Kelaston, for blind people, for 15 years but enjoy making the things Tina needs for her books as I never know what she
SWELL Sculpture Festival is calling for entries for its 2026 event, with organisers encouraging artists to think boldly, creatively and in direct response to place. Founder and Artistic Director Natasha Edwards said the festival is seeking work that feels alive to its surroundings. “We’re looking for bold, original and site-responsive sculptural work that really engages with people, art and place,” she told The Weekly. While there is no prescribed theme, Edwards said certain ideas continue to resonate strongly with the curatorial panel. Works responding to the coastal landscape, local ecology and the changing relationship between people and the sea are consistently well received. Sustainability also plays an important role, with eco-conscious materials, reuse and reclaimed elements encouraged where possible. Conceptual strength remains a key focus. Edwards said SWELL looks beyond visual impact to works that carry story, memory, cultural connection or critical inquiry, while still maintaining an authentic response to site and audience. Being selected for SWELL, she said, offers artists far more than the opportunity to exhibit. “Selection is really a gateway to expanded visibility, professional development and long-term career impact,” Edwards said. Artists receive curatorial support from concept approval through to installation, along with significant media exposure across print, digital and broadcast platforms. Selected artists are included in the festival catalogue, artist talks and public programs, creating opportunities to connect with collectors, arts professionals and public art commissioners. There are also tangible benefits. Artists receive an exhibition fee, are eligible for awards of up to $40,000, and may access pathways into commissions, residencies, artist exchanges
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Matt Ottley and Tina Wlson take a bath with Monkey and friends
Joan Wilson at home with some of her creations
will ask me to make next. I look forward to Tina’s next challenge for me. Tina told The Weekly that her two monkey books began as a family affair. “My mother loves knitting and was surprised when I asked her to knit a pair of shorts for the little toy Monkey my partner, Matt Ottley, had given me for my birthday. “Before I knew it, Mum had put her quirky touch to knitted sunglasses, shoes, toothbrushes and toothpaste. Other things followed: food, caterpillars, rocket ships, aliens, and lots of potential friends for Monkey.” The Messy Bath Monster includes original music composed by award-winning artist, Matt Ottley, with text narrated by the author, via QR code. The book is available from www.onetentaclepublishing.com
"Yaatra" by India Collins. Photo by Katie Bennett Embellysh Photography
and workshops through SWELL’s extended networks. For regional artists, Edwards said the festival plays a vital role in breaking down geographic barriers, positioning local creatives alongside national and international peers on a highly visible public stage and strengthening both cultural and economic impact. For first-time entrants, her advice is simple. “Be bold. SWELL celebrates originality, commitment and curiosity. We want to be surprised, captivated and moved,” she said. Entries for the 2026 SWELL Sculpture Festival are now open. Full submission details and guidelines are available at swellsculpture.com.au.
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