One Nature: Two Views combines the unique perspectives of artists David Ashley and Dorothy Henderson who, through lens and ink, share acts of noticing, nurturing and connection.
View one:
“This photography collection follows the light. The kind that starts the day with fireworks, or sits low and gold at sunset. That finds a donkey orchid pushing through the scrub, or catches an osprey diving for dinner, or dances across the waves like tiny stars.
This work is a result of me chasing it, up hills, down streams, usually before anyone sensible is awake. All the way to the edge of the world, which I'm proud to call home.
Mother Nature puts on a light show every day. I just have to be there when it happens - so I can share it with you.” - David Ashely
View two:
“In 2024, natural journalling became my way of maintaining sanity in a crazy world. Noticing, sketching, writing, learning…becoming absorbed in nature is a grounding experience that brings clarity to a cluttered, technology dominated world.
The feathers that drift in the wind; the unfolding melaleuca blossoms; the behaviour of the birds…these are the things I notice on my walks. Handwriting journal entries and sketching allows me to reflect on details and find answers for questions asked by what is seen. It is the epitome of slow journalism; a complete contrast to the rush of news gathering and the quick capture of press photography.
By sharing personal journals, sketches and writings, that tell the story of daily interactions with nature, I ask others to notice their own “small things”.
This installation, arranged in a way that echoes the instinctive gathering of a bowerbird naturalist, is an invitation to slow down and take part in the daily noticing of small encounters with plants, animals, and seasonal changes. To reconnect with our own natural worlds.” - Dorothy Henderson
Opening: Thurs 7 May at 6pm
Exhibition: Fri 8 May to Sat 13 June
Open Times: Tues to Fri 10am to 4pm & Sat noon to 4pm.
Free Journalling Workshop: Thurs 21 May at 10am. More details to come.
david ASHLEY
David Ashley is an Esperance based photographer with a habit of wandering off into the wild in search of a different view.
Perspective frames his work - slowing down, looking closer, and seeing the extraordinary that happens every day. Especially in this part of the world. He has always been inspired by the quiet drama of Australia’s landscapes and wildlife.
His lifelong career as an artist has seen him work with all kinds of media, from pen and ink to pastels, pyrography and wax. His images have been used in the hospitality industry, Western Australian Tourism and many publications.
These days, you rarely find him without a camera (or two) in hand, often found knee-deep in the Southern Ocean or waiting in the sand at Twilight Beach, chasing the light.
dorothy henderson
Dorothy (Dodie) was born was born on a farm in England and has lived on farming properties most of her life, in homes filled with books and an appreciation of the arts. Her love of nature is a legacy of a childhood spent on a farm in Western Australia’s wheatbelt, with bush and salt-lakes as playgrounds.
She studied agriculture and sustainable development; has worked in natural resource management, and as a rural and regional reporter - telling stories about people on the land.
She now lives with her family, including many horses, on a property near Esperance. Not far from the Dalyup River and the Lake Gore wetland system.
Over the years, thousands of trees have been planted on the once degraded property to help the land heal. Salt affected waterways are now filled with life and bird song.
Taking note of what is happening on the land, she has developed detailed and beautiful journals of sketches, writing and observations, which she shares at a time when many people feel increasingly disconnected from the natural world, both in cities and regional communities.
photo by Rosie Henderson