From desert to reef, under one sun – the ooGee Australia x Timothy Johnston Art Series Collection draws inspiration from Australia’s diverse landscapes to celebrate the beauty of nature, art and coexistence.
Established in 2022 by headwear veteran Peter Walcott, ooGee Australia (pronounced ‘ew-gee’) aims to revitalise local manufacturing and preserve Australia’s traditional hat-making heritage. The brand name, meaning ‘headdress,’ pays homage to Indigenous cultures and embodies classic Australian styles tailored for the bush, beach and beyond.
Handcrafted in West Gosford (NSW) by skilled local artisans, each hat reflects the brand’s dedication to superior craftsmanship, meticulous detail, and local production. Through innovative design, environmental stewardship, and meaningful collaborations, ooGee Australia sets new standards in headwear, celebrating the nation’s heritage while addressing environmental and societal concerns.
Collaborating with acclaimed artist Timothy Johnston, known for his abstract and aerial oceanic artworks, the collection features designs inspired by Australia’s diverse landscapes – from desert to reef, under one sun.
Timothy Johnston is a self-taught painter, marine conservationist, and all-around creative whose journey has been as vibrant as the landscapes he paints. Based in Sydney, Timothy’s work is inspired by the breathtaking coastal beauty of Mosman, as well as other iconic locations that capture Australia’s unique connection to nature.
“Art is in everything for me,” he says. “This was a chance to create another version of what I do as wearable art. It has substance because it stands for something.”
While Timothy’s primary canvas is the ocean, his life has also been coloured by unique experiences, including his time as a finalist on Australian Idol, where he earned a coveted coveted spot in the Top 12 and performed alongside Michael Bublé on the iconic Sydney Opera House forecourt. Reflecting on his musical adventures, Timothy notes, “Music taught me the power of storytelling and connection – things I carry into my art.”
Beyond the canvas, Timothy champions marine conservation as the founder of CollaborOCEANS, uniting creatives to inspire action for protecting marine life. His 2021 light projection on the Sydney Opera House for World Ocean Day, themed Kingdom of Coral, showcased his commitment to preserving the reefs that inspire him.
“Marrying the imagery of places I’ve painted with something wearable inspired by their beauty creates a circular moment,” Timothy shares. “A positive way to give back to nature.”
Tim’s glorious artwork, praised for its energy and depth, has earned national recognition, reflects the beauty of the reef which is the beauty we are all trying to protect, preserve, recover and regenerate.
The collaboration enriches the artistic appeal of ooGee Australia‘s hats while underscoring a shared commitment to marine conservation. Highlights of the collection include:
Balmoral Rescue
The Balmoral Rescue fedora blends artistic elegance with practicality. Subtle detailing from Timothy Johnston’s iconic painting, Balmoral, wraps around the crown and is mounted on a solid brown leather band.
This hat features a mixed navy raffia braid design, finished with a signature TJSH initialled stud. The wired brim edge offers versatile styling, allowing you to shape it into a cowboy hat or keep it as a classic wide-brim fedora, this Australian-made hat is perfect for any adventure.
Shoreline Searcher
The Shoreline Searcher fedora draws inspiration from Timothy Johnston’s large scale painting, Wistari Reef, with a small segment of the artwork beautifully incorporated into three pleats wrapping around the crown.
Crafted from natural raffia fibre, this compact fedora offers a relaxed, casual aesthetic, finished with a puggaree twist on the side. Ideal for laid-back adventures, this Australian-made hat features an adjustable ComfyFit headband and a removable whale tail pin. Offering adequate sun protection, it’s the perfect blend of style and comfort for every activity.
Coral Searcher
The Coral Searcher fedora captures the essence of Timothy Johnston’s large-scale painting, Desert Reef, with a detailed segment of the artwork forming three pleats that wrap around the crown. A puggaree twist on the side adds an extra touch of style. Crafted from natural buri fibre, this medium-brim fedora offers a relaxed, effortless aesthetic, this Australian-made hat is the perfect combination of artistry, comfort, and sun protection for any adventure.
Desert Explorer
The Desert Explorer cowboy-style fedora captures the essence of the Australian desert with a woven band rich in ochre and tan hues. The raffia braid design is accented with a leather loop headband, stamped with the TJSH initials for a distinctive finish. The wired brim edge offers versatility, allowing you to shape it into a rugged cowboy style or keep it as a classic wide-brim fedora.
The Timothy Johnston Art Series Collection exemplifies ooGee Australia’s fusion of art and functionality, empowering individuals to embrace the outdoors responsibly, preserving what matters most – for today and future generations to come, ensuring a legacy of care and sustainability.
Images: Timothy Johnston’s painting, Balmoral, inspires the Balmoral Rescue fedora | Sydney Opera House, Kingdom of Coral, 2021 | Timothy Johnston – all photos courtesy of ooGee Australia