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Pig, from Tim’s Garden Centre, shares his social commentary with the world in new book Dreaming About Mud by artist Andrew Christie

Campbelltown’s favourite social commentator, the much loved pig mascot outside Tim’s Garden Centre, is as happy as the proverbial pig in mud with the release of a new book about its life.

Pig is as happy as the proverbial pig in mud with the release of a picture book about its life called Dreaming About Mud.
Pig is as happy as the proverbial pig in mud with the release of a picture book about its life called Dreaming About Mud.

CAMPBELLTOWN’s favourite social commentator, the much loved pig mascot outside Tim’s Garden Centre is as happy as the proverbial pig in mud with the release of a new book about its life.

PICTURE GALLERY: Some of Pig’s pictures from Dreaming About Mud.

Campbelltown artist Andrew Christie’s picture book called Dreaming About Mud follows the story of the iconic pig which has provided social commentary on a variety of national and international events from its milkcrate outside the Campbelltown garden centre.

Artist Andrew Christe, with his piece Dreaming About Mud, which he entered in the Fisher’s Ghost Art Award at Campbelltown Arts Centre.
Artist Andrew Christe, with his piece Dreaming About Mud, which he entered in the Fisher’s Ghost Art Award at Campbelltown Arts Centre.

Mr Christie had also entered his work in the Fisher’s Ghost Art Award, which is currently on display at Campbelltown Arts Centre.

Pig’s owner Tim Pickles said he was contacted by Mr Christie to do the picture book and after he met the artist and saw his idea and later a proof of the book he had no doubts about getting involved.

‘I liked his idea and we’re on the same wavelength,’’ Mr Pickles said.

Tim's Garden Centre’s Pig turned blue to raise money for beyondblue.
Tim's Garden Centre’s Pig turned blue to raise money for beyondblue.
Pig also promoted World Nude Gardening Day earlier this year.
Pig also promoted World Nude Gardening Day earlier this year.

“When Andrew came back with the proof of the book, I looked at it and loved it.

“It’s a picture book of some of Pig’s best signs over the years and also a history about Pig. It’s a great read.’’

Mr Pickles said Pig was a quiet achiever and he had no doubt the mascot would not be getting a big head about starring in his own book.

“Pig’s very down to earth and he’ll just get on with things. That’s what I like about him.’’

Mr Pickles said Pig had lived at the garden centre since 2011 and his signs and messages have helped to raise awareness about issues including beyondblue, R U Okay Day and marriage equality.

Pig also showed its caring side by supporting R U Ok Day.
Pig also showed its caring side by supporting R U Ok Day.

“When Pig arrived and we started posting his signs, I had no idea he would become so popular,’’ he said.

“Pig can do so many good things and support so many causes.’’

The Pig mascot made headlines in 2014 when it was “pig-napped” from its milk-grate but found by Campbelltown police after a three-day investigation.

In November last year, Pig also got people talking about the US election, when he donned a Donald Trump mask for the occasion.

Dreaming About Mud is priced at $19.99 and copies are available from Campbelltown Arts Centre and Tim’s Garden Centre Campbelltown.

Profits from book sales will go to the African AIDS Foundation in Camden.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/macarthur/pig-from-tims-garden-centre-shares-his-social-commentary-with-the-world-in-new-book-dreaming-about-mud-by-artist-andrew-christie/news-story/318d77ad0fa4378d8e329ebab9432e99