The bees’ knees: Artist Charlie Colbung creates another joyful work with colourful mural for The Health Nut

Local artist Charlie Colbung is a busy man these days, with one thing leading to another. A commission at Emu Point’s Squid Shack led to his current job, painting the wall outside The Health Nut on Peels Place, a work of art that had to be completed by Friday. It’s work he loves, and he is becoming renowned around Albany as people often come to see his creations come to life. This latest is a three-day project depicting both native blue-banded bees and European bees zooming across the rust-coloured wall near the city’s main drag. He said the local people have been incredibly supportive. “I’m originally from Mt Barker but when I come to Albany, I feel so supported, it’s wonderful,” he said before explaining how he came to be painting The Health Nut corner. “My cousin owns the Squid Shack and he asked me to paint there,” he said. “I said if you feed me and put me up, I’ll do it. “The lady who owns the health shop saw the mural there and asked me to do this one. “She wanted bees — they sell a lot of honey in the shop — so I’ve painted bees. “I’ve done European bees, but I also included our native bees, with the blue stripes.” He has worked recently in Mt Barker too, painting doors at the Plantagenet Hotel. That is a sadder tale. “I lost a close family member who used to work there so one door has eagles, one magpies and the other is of the family member who passed away.” He now lives and works out of Quairading in the central Wheatbelt, but is spending an increasing amount of time in Albany. His next work in the city will be in April when he undertakes a commission for another mural at Albany Senior High School.