WHETHER it’s welding together a dinosaur from scrap metal, painting a mural or performing onstage, one thing has remained constant throughout Mark Oates’ life: he has always found joy in creating.
A lifelong Molong resident, Oates has worked as a panel beater since the age of 17 and still works in the trade on a casual basis.
But beyond the workshop, he has become a familiar creative figure in the community, with his recycled metal sculptures and artworks leaving a lasting impression on the town.
“I’m a panel beater, artist and sculptor,” Oates said with a smile. “One day I want to learn how to play the piano.”
“I’ve really got to keep busy. My head’s going all the time.”
Oates’ creative drive has taken many forms over the years.
Locals recognise him through the large metal sculptures that are viewed around Molong, each crafted from recycled materials. While he insists the process itself isn’t particularly difficult, he says finding the time is the biggest challenge.
His favourite sculpture is the dinosaur, which he said is the first one he created.
“After that I just kept going,” he said.
Although Oates has found himself taking a pause from sculpting, he has every intention of returning.
“I plan on getting back to it,” Oates said.
His creativity extends well beyond metalwork.
Over the years, he’s painted landscapes, portraits and watercolours, developing his skills under the guidance of former Molong artist Greg Turner.
It was advice from Turner that has stayed with him throughout his artistic journey.
“He said, ‘Mark, whatever you do, don’t stop painting’,” Oates said.
His passion for painting can be seen publicly with the mural behind the Molong swimming pool, a project completed with the assistance of the Molong Advancement Group that continues to evolve.
“It’s my never-ending canvas,” he said. “I won’t ever stop painting on it.”
The stage has also played an important role in Oates’ life.
For more than three decades, he was a member of the Molong Players, performing in productions and eventually receiving an amateur theatre award for his contribution.
Away from acting, he has a love of poetry and enjoys reciting it whenever he gets the chance.
Even when he isn’t creating something new, Oates likes to keep his hands busy. He spends his time helping friends with projects and tinkering in the shed.
He recently helped revamp the frog-on-a-bike sculpture for Cumnock’s Animals on Bikes trail, proving that even after decades of creating, he still finds ways to put his skills to use.
Despite taking a break from sculpture, his mind is never far from the next project.
“The way I see it, there’s not much time, so I want to make something of it.”