Artist Spotlight - The Pink Galah

Muralist, and business owner, Sig Peters

Artist Name: Sig Peters

Artist IG: @thepink_galah

Artist FB: The Pink Galah

Artist Website: www.thepinkgalah.com.au

Artist LinkedIn: Seigrid Peters

Artist location/country: Outback Australia - Cobar NSW

When did you first know you were a creative person?

“As a child, I was constantly drawing or scribbling on things. Often getting in trouble for drawing on my Mum’s magazines and my Dad’s newspapers. I’ve always been drawn to Creative Arts - I studied Dance, Visual Arts, and dabbled in Drama. Being creative is a huge part of my life. I've always been "that person" for everyone, you know the one where people ask - can you quickly draw this, can you make that, etc... Where I’m from - creativity isn’t a part of life, so I’ve endeavoured to make it happen - regardless of location.”

Sig stands at her easel, in the glorious sunshine

How did your creative journey start?

“Doing what I do now, started in 2020! At the time, I was a Deputy Principal at a local Primary School - and also pregnant with my third baby (I’m a Mum to 4 boys). I’ve always painted in my spare time, as a way to unwind and slow down. During this time, I hit burnout and felt quite stressed from my role, whilst also navigating Motherhood and my career. During maternity leave, once baby #3 was born, I started offering local art workshops as a way to let others unwind and find connection in our rural community. I thought that if creativity helped me during some tough times, it would help others to, or at the very least, bring something fun and exciting to our small town. The Pink Galah was born during COVID, and a need to bring people together in a positive and uplifting way. As they say, the rest followed. Business started booming, I was travelling to remote communities across the state, and bringing creative workshops to many. Murals were the natural next step with Councils requesting something in their towns.”

The Pink Galah’s famous community workshops!

Did you receive a formal art education, or are you self-taught? 

“Other than studying Art during my Highschool years, I am completely self taught. I’m not sure if that’s a hindrance or what brings originality … but either way, if you’re passionate about something, you are curious enough to learn and find your own way.”

What is the most significant challenge you've faced as an artist to date?

“As much as you would expect being an Artist in Outback Australia, many would assume that living geographically isolated would make things hard for a creative business. But, for me, it’s the complete opposite. I don’t have any competition in what I do, there is no one doing what I do where I live or in the surrounding regions. The biggest challenge I have faced is being a Mum to 4 little boys while navigating business demands and frustrations around not being able to work as much as I’d like. It's extremely hard to find a balance between being a Mum, business owner, and being extremely passionate about creating. I don't think there is a balance, but being a Mum has always kept me grounded and connected to returning to what matters to me. This is a blessing in some ways, making me constantly come back to my priorities and core beliefs on why I started my business in the first place. Having flexibility for my family has been a big bonus in working for myself. I'm still figuring this one out and have lost many jobs along the way because I just don't have the time to deliver work for certain schedules. I try my best to always look at each situation positively. ”

The Pink Galah family

One worry or wobble you still have about being an artist?

“I think the biggest worry I have is that I’ll lose momentum and people won’t like what I create. I know, it sounds weird - and that we shouldn’t create for others - but we do. As artists, we still need to make a living, and making things for others is a big part of that. I worry that what I create won’t hit the mark.”

Cobar community mural

Do you feel you have a distinct style to your art?

“To be completely honest, I can’t see my style. Others can point it out to me. I feel like I’ll forever be figuring that one out as I evolve.”

How has your style evolved?

“I can see that my style has changed, as I’ve become more aware of how to do things ‘better’… when I first started it was quite cartoon-like… now I can see a shift in the way I create.”

Who/What are your biggest artistic influences?

“For me, I’m a big fan of the Art Nouveau movement, in particular Alphonse Mucha - someone who completely revolutionised Art to be used as a marketing tool. I’m also very inspired by Ken Done - an Aussie Artist who has made the most amazing career for himself with his Art. I also love Yayoi Kusama & Frida Kahlo for beating to the sound of their own drum.”

“Don’t mistake my kindness for weakness” - By Sig Peters

Can you describe your typical creative process from concept to completion?

“Honestly, my creative process is more instinct than structure. I don’t always start with a plan - I just begin. Sometimes it’s sparked by a colour, a memory, or a feeling I can’t put into words. Other times, it’s a response to the space I’m in or the people I’m surrounded by. I gather inspiration from everyday life, from nature, from stories, and then I let my hands do the talking. I trust the process, even if I don’t always know where it’s going. For me, creativity isn’t about perfection or predictability - it’s about showing up, staying open, and letting something unfold.”

Sig stands in front of a large paint-by-numbers mural.

What is your favourite part of the creative process?

“My favourite part? Oh, it’s that deliciously chaotic middle bit - where things look a little wild, I’m not quite sure what’s happening, and I start questioning all my life choices… and then bam - magic. Colours start talking to each other, textures find their groove, and suddenly it’s like the artwork and I are in on the same secret. That moment when it all clicks? Pure creative mischief. I live for it.”

Sig is high up on an elevated platform, causally painting a brightly coloured mural

One piece of advice that's helped you in your career that you can pass on.

“Back yourself - no one else has your eye, your story, or your way of seeing the world. It reminded me that you don’t need to wait until you feel ready, polished, or certain. Just begin. Throw the paint. Make the mess. Trust that your way of creating - even if it’s unconventional or a bit rough around the edges - is exactly what the world needs more of.”

One mural design you want to manifest to paint in 2025.

“A large-scale original piece on a water tank or silo, standing tall against the red dirt I’ve called home my whole life. I want it to speak to the spirit of this land - the grit, the beauty, the stories etched into every fence post and gum tree. Something bold and honest that celebrates the people, the place, and the pulse of the outback. A visual love letter to the region I live, love, and work in. Big sky, big paint, big heart.”

Cobar, NSW. *picture from Darling River Run

Thanks to Sig for taking the time to answer my Q’s for the blog.

See you soon

Kate & Norman x