Ipswich artist and author Don Hill is celebrating the release of his tenth book, Clouds of January, combining original paintings, poetry and storytelling inspired by family memories and the Australian landscape.
Appearing on West Bremer Radio’s Get Your Arts In Gear podcast, Don shared the inspiration behind his latest publication, his passion for combining visual art with writing and his hopes for a future exhibition.
The podcast also celebrated a major milestone for the Prism Awards – Ipswich Region Creative Arts Awards, with approximately 182 nominations received ahead of the December presentation ceremony.
Clouds of January brings together art, poetry and storytelling
Don Hill’s latest book, Clouds of January, takes readers on a creative journey through the Australian landscape, blending personal inspiration with fictional storytelling.
The book follows his previous publication, Sound Like Rain, and features original poems, stories and paintings created by Don himself.
Speaking with hosts Glenn Smith and DJ Sparky, Don explained that the inspiration for the new publication came partly from memories of his father.
“My father used to go hunting at Opal out west,” Don said.
His travels through Asia also provided inspiration, particularly the views of the Simpson Desert during flights back to Australia.
“Because I travel quite a bit to Asia and back, the view on the way back is usually of the Simpson Desert, so it’s an interesting view,” he said.
Don said the desert’s vast sand dunes and changing landscape helped shape the stories and artwork featured in the book.
He also drew inspiration from a significant rainfall event in 2025, which transformed parts of the usually dry landscape.
“There was a rain event in 2025, so everything became green,” he said.
The combination of family memories, travel experiences and the natural environment became the foundation for Clouds of January.
A book that doubles as an art collection
Unlike a traditional collection of short stories or poetry, Clouds of January also showcases Don’s work as a visual artist.
Every painting, poem and story in the publication has been created by Don, making the book a personal collection of his artistic expression.
During the interview, Glenn Smith described the publication as almost a catalogue of Don’s artwork, with written pieces accompanying the paintings.
When asked whether the paintings or stories came first, Don explained that his creative process was not always predictable.
“It all happens pretty much together,” he said.
One example is a piece titled The Beads of Heaven, which came to him unexpectedly while working in an office.
Don recalled that he was using a paper guillotine when the idea suddenly appeared.
“The story came into my head, so I had to write it down immediately,” he said.
The idea eventually developed into a piece of verse accompanied by one of his paintings.
The hosts praised the artwork featured in the book, highlighting the way Don’s visual and written storytelling complement each other.
Ten books and still finding inspiration
Although Clouds of January follows Don’s previous appearance on the podcast promoting Sound Like Rain, the new publication represents a much bigger milestone.
It is his tenth book.
The revelation surprised the podcast hosts, who had initially believed it was only his second publication.
When asked what continued to inspire him after producing so many books, Don admitted there was no simple explanation.
Sometimes ideas arrive unexpectedly, while at other times creativity can be more difficult.
“You’ll be doing absolutely nothing and you get this flow that comes in, so you start writing or you start a new painting,” he explained.
Don said he enjoyed both writing and painting, although neither always came easily.
“Sometimes neither work,” he joked.
He also spoke about the therapeutic benefits of creating art.
For Don, painting in particular provides an opportunity to relax, reflect and express ideas in a different way.
The discussion highlighted the importance of creativity not only as a form of artistic expression but also as a personal outlet.
Future exhibition planned for Boonah
Don is also hoping to showcase more of his artwork through a future exhibition.
During the interview, he revealed that plans were being made for an exhibition in Boonah, potentially in 2028.
He said he had been advised that an earlier opportunity could become available in 2027 if there were cancellations.
The exhibition would provide another opportunity for audiences to experience the paintings behind his publications.
Don has previously displayed his artwork alongside a book launch, and the hosts expressed enthusiasm about seeing another collection presented publicly.
While the exhibition plans remain some time away, Don continues to develop his work across both writing and visual art.
Where to purchase Clouds of January
Readers interested in purchasing Clouds of January can contact Don directly through his website.
Website: www.donhill.au
The publication features Don’s original writing and artwork, offering readers a chance to explore the landscapes, memories and experiences that have influenced his creative journey.
Don has also received recognition through the local arts awards, having been a finalist in the previous Get Your Arts In Gear Awards and receiving another nomination for the newly rebranded Prism Awards.
Prism Awards attract 182 nominations
The second half of the podcast turned its attention to the upcoming Prism Awards – Ipswich Region Creative Arts Awards.
The awards, previously known as the Get Your Arts In Gear Awards, have attracted an impressive response from the Ipswich creative community.
Organisers revealed that approximately 182 nominations had been received before nominations closed.
The result exceeded expectations and highlighted the depth of artistic talent across the region.
“It’s just blown my mind for the first year of the Prism Awards,” the hosts said.
The nominations recognise artists, performers, writers, musicians, community groups and creative organisations contributing to Ipswich’s cultural life.
With so many nominations received, organisers acknowledged that judges would face some difficult decisions.
“There is a lot of worthy recipients in there, and our judges will certainly have their work cut out for them,” they said.
Finalists to be announced November 15
While nominations for the 2026 awards have now closed, excitement is building ahead of the finalists announcement.
Organisers confirmed that finalists will be revealed on Sunday, November 15.
Successful finalists will be contacted by email, with the full list also published on the Prism Awards website and social media channels.
The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, December 12, 2026, celebrating outstanding achievements across the Ipswich arts and cultural community.
Organisers said the event was about more than recognising individual achievements.
It was also an opportunity to bring the creative community together and highlight the enormous contribution local artists make to the region.
“I just love the fact that we’re actually reaching out and celebrating the amazing talent and the arts and culture within Ipswich,” the hosts said.
Nominations for 2027 to open before December ceremony
The podcast also revealed that nominations for the 2027 Prism Awards are expected to open before this year’s presentation ceremony.
This will allow artists, performers and creative organisations to begin submitting nominations for the next awards cycle.
Organisers said the decision would help build momentum and encourage ongoing recognition of creative achievements throughout the year.
The early opening will also give the community more time to nominate deserving individuals, productions and organisations.
Further information about the next nomination period will be released ahead of the December event.
Celebrating Ipswich’s creative talent
From Don Hill’s tenth publication to the growing success of the Prism Awards, the latest Get Your Arts In Gear podcast highlighted the diversity and strength of Ipswich’s creative community.
For Don, the release of Clouds of January represents another chapter in a creative career spanning painting, poetry and storytelling.
For the Prism Awards organisers, receiving 182 nominations is an encouraging sign that the region’s artists and cultural organisations are eager to have their work recognised.
With finalists to be announced on November 15 and the awards ceremony scheduled for December 12, the coming weeks promise to be an exciting time for the Ipswich arts community.
For more information:
- Don Hill – Clouds of January: www.donhill.au
- Prism Awards – Ipswich Region Creative Arts Awards: www.prismawardsipswich.au
- Prism Awards finalists announcement: November 15, 2026
- Prism Awards ceremony: December 12, 2026
The full conversation featured on West Bremer Radio’s Get Your Arts In Gear podcast, celebrating the people, projects and creative achievements shaping Ipswich’s arts community.
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