It began with a t shirt.
Many moons ago, I travelled to the bottom of the South Island of Aotearoa, alone after my marriage had broken up. Captivated by the landscape, lack of people, and something else undefinable, I vowed to return. The t shirt was a reminder of what was precious to me. On the front was a quote ‘the Earth has music for those who listen’.
Fast forward to 2013, and I’m in Wiltshire in the UK, in a darkroom which is part of a centuries old barn, all to myself. The cobblestones hurt my feet but I don’t care because I’m having so much fun. I’m captivated by the wildflowers in the district, and shocked to learn that these are actually endangered, there are only 1% remaining of what was here 100 years ago. It affects biodiversity, everything. And so my wildflower series began, and a growing awareness of the environment endangered.
Back home, resting on the bed during what was to become years of treatment, I watched the light through the leaves of the cherry tree outside, listened to the birds, and thought of the world outside; of Aotearoa / New Zealand’s own native Taonga (treasures) and the species we are losing, and have already lost.
This artist book is an eclectic mix of images, rather like our world. Each image, however, is precious, and represents something much bigger and more important.
‘Earth Music’ is the result of those times of contemplation.