NatureArt Lab Blog

To prepare for our 14 day Tasmania Fungi Season Nature Experience trip starting April 30, we spoke to our tour's expert guide and photographer Renee Prescott about her top macro tips to photographing fungi.

Valerie Kirk spent three weeks as an artist-in-residence at Namadgi National Park exploring concepts of time, impermanence, living in the present and being mindful of the past and future in this awe-inspiring natural landscape. During the residency she studied the granite rocks and plants, documenting the impact of fires, rain and climate change through expressive drawing and weaving “en plein air”. 

In April 2019 I was lucky enough to join the second NatureArt tour to Borneo as accompanying art tutor. Not having travelled to this part of the world and knowing very little about the plants and wildlife we would encounter I was very excited to be a part of the trip. From my perspective I can think of no better way to get to know and understand unfamiliar living things than by spending the time observing and drawing them. This is when the rest of the world quietens down and it becomes possible to feel an affinity with what is in front of you.

NatureArt Lab recently hosted a two-day workshop with well-known UK botanical artist Jessica Rosemary Shepherd. With a focus on creating 'larger than life leaves', a group of 15 artists explored the possibilities of creating drama with use of light - giving the plant center stage. Jess inspired us with her ideas about where botanical art might go in the 21^st Century. Jess’ artistic projects, whether art-based, soundscapes, media or publishing ventures, explore an evolving philosophy to do with botanical artistic expression and ‘how the strategies and techniques of the visual arts can be adapted to communicate the importance of plants in the modern world’. She spoke about combating ‘plant blindness’ and using art and other mediums to focus attention on the natural world. Her work is both profoundly personal and political, environmental and cultural.

The NatureArt visit to Montague Island brought together people with shared interests in art and the synthesis between art and the natural history of the island. Explorations of bird species, marine and insect life provided much interest for the group, with artists enjoying a series of workshops with well-known artist and NatureArt Lab tutor Lesley Wallington. Chris Davey provided the scientific expertise and guided many nature walks around the island morning and evening to see the many species that make Montague home. Highlights for the visit were the thousands of crested terns and silver gulls that breed on the island at this time of the year. Observation of the birds' nesting and parental behaviours, plus the constant challenges that these species face as they raise their young is endlessly fascinating.

Why are the arts so important in education? With the current rate of environmental degradation and biodiversity decline, how can we better support environmental literacy, stewardship and sustainability in our communities? Why is nature so important for health, happiness and creativity? There is a strong and growing literature base which demonstrates clear answers to these questions. NatureArt Lab is actively promoting these approaches through our programs for children, youth and adults.