Emerging

Merewether Ocean Baths, Australia.

0700, November 12, 2024. #6516

Merewether Ocean Baths is where I first put into practice my realisation that a photograph could be art. Until then, in the early 1980's, I had merely taken photos.

A trip to Yosemite, California, introduced me to Ansel Adams's work and his three seminal books: The Camera, The Negative, and The Print.

After my return to Australia, I saved and eventually could afford a second-hand 5x7" Cambo view camera and a lens. After more saving, I ultimately acquired extra lenses.

I loved photographing the ocean, so taking this now prized possession to my hometown's iconic Ocean Baths was a natural fit. Back then, the pools had aged and needed refurbishment. Slowly, Newcastle Council replaced the old rusty railing with lots of shiny, new stainless steel.

Weathered by storms and the sun, the tall wooden light poles became modern towers, and a wide, sloping ramp created universal access for people of all ages and abilities.

Despite the inevitable change, brisk early mornings, warm, soft dusks, bright, hot afternoons, and cold, weather-beaten nights cycle with the seasons.

As worn, whitewashed steps are refurbished, they carry feet as they skip and later shuffle up and down, growing from tiny and soft to gnarled and wide. Holding small, excited hands, parents nurture the tentative steps of offspring at the beginning of their memories.

While my camera now uses pixels instead of film, those three books still inspire and remind me of the techniques and magic of my craft.

I am still drawn to the pools, searching for the new in this nostalgic, cherished place.

Every picture I have made encapsulates the essence of my story. Whether it is intricate details, obscure abstracts, or expansive vistas, each piece is unique. The artistry in my archival, museum-quality prints is crafted to evoke emotion and capture moments in time.

This Limited Edition is available in two sizes, with a maximum of five prints plus up to two Artist Proofs.

The giclée prints are made on archival, museum-quality, cotton rag paper and can be supplied framed or rolled ready for your preferred framer.

Larger prints are sized to boldly dominate a wall. As I treat each scene individually, different pictures may have bespoke crop or form factors.

Foley Fine Art Prints are printed on either Ilford Prestige Galarie Smooth Cotton Rag or Hahnemühle Photo Rag heavyweight stock using state-of-the-art, museum-grade printers and archival inks. The fine art giclée prints, crafted with precision on a professional inkjet printer, are archival quality and guaranteed not to fade or bleed for up to 100 years, making them the industry standard in galleries and museums worldwide. The Paper Size allows for at least a 20mm white border around the image. The border may vary according to the picture's format. Contact me if you have any questions or special requests.

For Australian-based clients: If you choose one of the framing options, your giclée print will be dry-mounted to an acid-free 5 mm foam board using an archival adhesive film. It is then placed in a hand-crafted shadowbox frame made from FSC-certified Tasmanian Oak and protected by durable 3mm museum-grade plexiglass. The back of the frame is finished with framer’s tape and stainless steel hanging wire. A signed Certificate of Authenticity is supplied to be attached to the back of the frame.

‘I make photographs to hang on walls and be appreciated for lifetimes. The soft texture of these bright white papers is integral to how I want you to see and ‘feel’ my work.’

For transport reasons, square format prints can only be framed in the Medium (60x60cm) size. Larger prints should be taken to your local framer.

Free 14 - 21 days Australia-wide delivery via trackable courier. Fully insured for damages. 

I make it easy to shop confidently at my online gallery and be completely happy with the art, production values and delivery - seamless, secure online purchases with Visa and MasterCard through Stripe & PayPal and Apple Pay & Afterpay. I do not see, collect or store any card information.

Returns on damaged or lost artwork: In the unlikely event of receiving damaged artwork, don't hesitate to contact me within 48 hours with pictures. Once confirmed, I will endeavour to replace the edition free of cost. If I cannot replace the edition, I will arrange a refund.