From stonemason to mural maker: Callum Hotham’s unlikely rise
In Bathurst, a town famed for its rolling hills and the iconic Mount Panorama motor racing circuit, a new kind of landmark is taking shape. Callum Hotham, a 29-year-old who once shaped stone as a stonemason, has embraced spray paint as his tool of choice. In a few short years, he has emerged as one of the city’s most recognizable artists, leaving a lasting imprint on the urban landscape with a series of bold, colorful murals.
Hotham didn’t grow up with a spray can in his hand. Until four years ago, he was carving stone and learning the craft of precise, patient work. A fascination with the energy of Bathurst’s streets and a desire to tell the city’s stories in a new way pushed him toward mural painting. Today, his work can be seen on walls across Bathurst, turning bare façades into canvases that celebrate local history, culture, and everyday life.
What makes Hotham’s murals stand out
Hotham’s murals blend technical precision with a kinetic, almost cinematic sense of movement. His background as a stonemason gives him a keen eye for form, balance, and texture, which he translates into large-scale pieces that feel both meticulous and alive. He often incorporates motifs tied to Bathurst’s identity—local landscapes, racing heritage, and community moments—creating works that resonate with residents and visitors alike.
One hallmark of his approach is the careful use of color to evoke mood and memory. He layers shades to create depth, letting spray paint mimic the natural textures found in stonework while retaining the vibrancy associated with contemporary street art. The result is murals that function as local landmarks—distinct, photogenic, and deeply rooted in Bathurst’s spirit.
Impact on the city and its people
For Bathurst, the murals are more than decorative. They are a form of place-making, inviting people to slow down and engage with the built environment. Schools, cafés, and public spaces have become stages for public art, turning ordinary walls into conversations about identity and pride. The murals also attract visitors and artists, contributing to a growing creative economy for the region.
Community engagement is central to Hotham’s practice. He often involves local residents in the creation process, offering workshops, tours, and open studio sessions. This collaborative approach helps ensure that the art reflects the voices of Bathurst’s diverse neighborhoods and that the city reads as a living gallery rather than a static installation.
Looking ahead: a city reimagined through color
As Bathurst continues to evolve as a hub for motorsport and culture, Hotham’s murals stand as a visual snapshot of its ongoing transformation. He anticipates more large-scale pieces that weave together past, present, and future. For locals who grew up with the town’s traditional streetscapes, his work offers a fresh narrative—one where art and everyday life intersect inHigh-speed energy and quiet moments of reflection alike.
For visitors, the murals provide a compelling reason to explore Bathurst beyond the race track. For residents, they are reminders of a city that values creativity, craftsmanship, and community. Callum Hotham isn’t just painting walls; he’s helping Bathurst tell its own story in color, inviting everyone to look up, notice, and stay awhile.
