Smithy Bally

Smithy Bally comes from a well respected family in the Lockhart River Community. His father was a long serving Council member and Deputy Mayor and remains elected after being re-elected in early 2020. Smithy started showing an interest in painting in early late 2019 and completed a series of butterfly themed paintings.

Sixty percent of Australia's butterfly species are found across Lockhart River's deep forests in the Iron Range landscape. Butterflies of many colors including the spectacular Ulysses, Cape York Pearl-White Elodina claudia and Green-banded jewel Hypochrysops theon butterfly. The Iron Range national park contains a wide range of habitats for butterflies, ants, ferns, orchids and palms. Smithy captures his on Country experiences through a modern contemporary expression on canvas and linen.

Smithy also plays Rugby League and has been part of the Lockhart River Scorpions Rugby League Team who have won a grand final title. Smithy dances with the Kawadjii Wimpa traditional dance group and does occasional ranger works. As a new artist, Smithy has a bright future and over time strives to showcase his arts gift.