Steph arrived in a VW van and I had been wanting to know about them and what its like to drive etc and thats what I love about this Residency program - the wheel always selects the right person at the right time - I now have a Van and love it and use it just like Steph for easy nights away in nature - thank you for inspiring me to follow my VW dream! - Kate
p.s I love dolphins - check out Steps wave of Dolphins below in highlighted images - what a dream to see that in person and photograph it - even better!
Artist Bio:
I have enjoyed taking photos since a young age, remembering my first Kodak Instamatic and then Kodak Pocket Instamatic! Photography wasn’t a full subject at secondary school, more of an extra, however I was able to dabble in the darkroom which I found fascinating and fun.
Learning to use an old SLR camera was challenging, but the difference in the quality of photos was enough to continue to spark my interest.
The digital age has opened up a vast wealth of information and opportunities for photography enthusiasts and as the technology continues to improve there will always be more to learn.
Southern Yorke Peninsula is surrounded by the sea, almost an island, with four distinct coasts north, south, east and west with a mix of quiet sandy beaches to rugged cliffs with thundering surf.
Our surrounding scenery is diverse and spectacular, never ceasing to amaze, and though familiar, continues to be breathtaking.
In 2024 I gave myself the challenge of visiting a different beach once a week for a year. 52 beaches in 52 weeks became a project I enjoyed immensely and through encouragement from friends, produced a book with photos, art and snippets of related stories. A Beach A Week now sits on many coffee tables giving memories and motivation to explore our wonderful beaches.
I have experienced a number of photography tours to various parts of Australia from The Kimberley to Tasmania and places in between. Each tour would fuel my enthusiasm to offer similar opportunities in our own area on Southern Yorke Peninsula, the place I have known forever as home. Having the privilege of inheriting my grandparents heritage home, in 2016 I created Ballara Art & Lifestyle Retreat to offer a variety of creative workshop holidays, art & photography retreats and artist residencies.
It was so nice to meet Kate and discuss like-minded ideas! Her generous offer of time and space for creative people to indulge uninterrupted in their craft is inspiring. I’m still waiting to return the favour! - Kate One day I promise ; )
Q: As a photographer, how did the Coorong’s shifting waters, light, and reflections influence the way you captured your images?
A: Having only ever driven past The Coorong it has been high on my list to spend some quality time there. I particularly love cool, calm days, still water and changing light so it was perfect for that!
Q:What was it like to arrive with your camera in a new environment — did the landscape challenge you, surprise you, or open up new ways of seeing?
A: Time to explore every nook and cranny is such a gift. I’m very much a wanderer with the camera, usually not spending too much time in one spot. Having a week to do nothing else gave the opportunity every day to sit and soak up the ambiance and spirit of The Coorong.
Q:If you could leave three words to sum up your residency, what would they be?
A: Silence Is Golden!
Q: What advice would you give the next photographer stepping into this space?
A: Take long walks every day, you have time to look for those details that otherwise may be missed. Also have to admit, can’t help but feel a little Storm Boy-ish warm and fuzzy wandering the Coorong!!
