NatureArt Lab Blog

Today is World Rainforest Day!

World Rainforest Day is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about the critical role rainforests play in our planet's health and the urgent need for their conservation. These magnificent ecosystems are often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth," as they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, mitigating climate change.

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”. 

I’m lucky to live close enough to Ginninderra Creek to walk there most days. Before the arrival of my little red dog Ruby, a jaunt around the closest five kilometre loop took about 40 minutes. These days it takes more like an hour, but it is definitely my favourite hour of the day.

Welcome to the blog for Reflections on Nature. We’ve started it up so that those of you who want to tell a bit more of a story about the natural world and your experiences in it will have the space to do so. Whether you write prose, use a pencil and watercolours, wield a camera, compile note books full  of field notes or write poetry, are a professional artist or a complete beginner, your contribution is more than welcome. As a group, we moderators cover the spectrum of experience and focus and are keen to encourage everyone to post and share. We want to hear from as many different voices as possible. It’s that kind of space.