Article

Crocodile Cowboy at The Mind Room

By The Mind Room

October 10, 2022

Alfie Garfield Barker (aka Crocodile Cowboy) is an autistic trans gay person making multi-disciplined art in Lutruwita/Tasmania.

They describe their process: ‘My artworks often have hidden meanings behind them about mental health. I like to let people interpret them individually and let them see and feel what they want.’

Alfie donates $2 from every sale of their art to Beyond Blue because they struggled with depression and anxiety for most of their life and know how important it is to talk about it and get support.

They explain the importance of art in starting conversations and providing connection, expression and learning.

‘Creating art everyday has not only been a great way to express myself, it has also been a wonderful way to connect with others around mental health, sexuality, disabilities and all the other areas of our society where we should be celebrating our differences and learning together.’

Alfie’s sold-out exhibition, and self-published book, ‘My Autistic World’ began as a private art journal in their bedroom that helped them process their emotions around being an autistic adult as well as having a laugh along the way with the intention of making other autistic people feel less alone.

Alfie is active in art in almost infinite forms. They have worked in up-cycled clothes, large-scaled murals, sculpture, wearable art including astroturf pants and a plush toy gown, custom bags, pot planters, a donut mirror, cartoons, body part candles, hand-engraved cheeseboards, serving paddles and pasta spoons. Alfie has also created conventional prints and paintings, creating posters for gigs, and zine fairs, a night light map for the Junction Arts Festival, pet portraits and tattoo commissions.

A main focus has been designing inclusive clothing, with Alfie passionate about designing unisex clothes that everyone can look and feel fabulous in, offering 2XS – 11XL options in their tshirts & hoodies.

Artist Statement:

Every now and then I escape out of the grey city buildings that are surrounded by loud cars full of busy people living busy lives and find myself deep inside nature. A magical World of greens, browns and blues. The sound of the ocean and the smell of the eucalyptus leaves calm all my senses. I take a deep breath in. I’m home.

Alfie’s works on show at The Mind Room are currently available for purchase.

Explore and purchase.

See the exhibition artworks below: