Photography Exhibition by Nikole Ramsay - UNFOLD

December 2nd - please book to view the exhibition , we have 30 minute time slots between 1pm - 6.00 pm for up to 4 people at a time.

Photographer Nikole Ramsay has created a series of photographic prints that capture the essence of Lon, through aerial and detail landscape photographs. Peppered within these landscapes are a series of unique, layered ‘body-scapes’, which have a painterly, dreamlike feel. The ‘body-scape’ images are created through combining 4 or 5 landscapes images over layed into one image. These layered body-scapes beautifully compliment the landscape photography and aim to give the viewer a deeper understanding of Nikole’s own Lon Retreat experience.

“On my many visits to Lon, I became aware of the gentle unfolding, unwinding and unravelling of my body and mind. In this series of photographs, I’ve used the female form to visually translate those feelings, so the viewer can experience the beauty of the landscapes and the feelings those landscapes evoke in me when I am immersed in them. The body starts as tightly bound, looking inward and as more of the landscape is seen and experienced, the body moves into a more expansive and open form. In a way, the ‘body-scapes’ represent my own journey of unfolding and peeling back the layers. There is a sense of slowly moving into alignment with the environment while also becoming at one with myself”.

There are a number of aerial photographs in this collection, which were shot while flying with local pilot Jeff Brooks. Nikole’s recent experiences of photographing aerial landscapes have given her a new perspective on, not just the landscapes of our region, but also on life itself. “Experiencing a familiar landscape from above is exhilarating and humbling. It changes my perspective on everyday things and reminds me of how small my life is and how big and awe inspiring the earth can be. I feel completely in awe of the landscape when I fly with Jeff. I like the feeling of not being in control and I know how important it is to be alert and totally in the moment to capture a shot as Jeff skilfully steers the plane into just the right position for me to momentarily capture the scene in the perfect light”.

After flying and capturing the scenes from above, Nikole then visits those areas days later and captures smaller scenes within the same landscape. She loves to wander through the property, without a plan but with a curious eye, photographing details at ground level and recording the subtleties of the colour and texture within the landscape. This brings an appreciation for the every day details that others might miss, and grounds her in the environment. Nikole is inspired by the salt falts, sand dunes, rock pools and shoreline at Lon Retreat and this is where all of the photographs have been shot. Her wish is that you too feel a sense of place and unfolding, through viewing her photographs of this unique and beautiful place.