Description
‘Thank God for the Flying Doctor’ depicts Howard Steer’s connection to the Royal Flying Doctor Service which was deeply personal. As a young man, he was inspired by the service’s vital role in providing healthcare to people in the outback. His Flying Doctor paintings evoke a sense of adventure, humour and compassion, blending the grandeur of the Australian landscape with the heroic efforts of those who serve in the RFDS. Steer’s legacy is a powerful reminder of the connection between art, history, and the spirit of service.
Howard William Steer is an Australian artist from Broken Hill, N.S.W. He is renowned for his evocative depictions of the Flying Doctor Service, a vital part of outback Australia. Steer’s paintings capture the rugged landscapes and heroic efforts of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) in reaching isolated communities with medical care. His works often feature the iconic aircraft soaring above vast, arid terrains, symbolizing both the isolation of Australia’s remote regions and the life-saving impact of the RFDS.