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John Dickinson November 18 - December 23 2007 "This collection is the culmination of two passions, Ecuador, and the study of evolution. I had been visiting Ecuador for 15 years, after meeting and subsequently marrying my beautiful Ecuadorian wife. I had travelled to almost every province of this amazing country, but, due to their remoteness, had never been to the Galapagos Islands . For roughly the same period of time, I have been reading everything I can get my hands on about evolution, including, naturally enough, works about the significance of the Galapagos Islands in developing an understanding of evolution. The islands were born in volcanic fire from in the deep Pacific Ocean only a short time ago (geologically speaking). The circumstances of their birth and their recent colonisation by life makes them not just a place where evolution literally leaps off the page, but a remote and striking visual environment.
After 15 years, my wife and I finally visited the Galapagos. My reading in evolution left me unprepared for the othe rworldly character of the islands. Where I had imagined palm fringed pacific beaches, I found volcanic rock and weird almost Martian landscapes, as well as, of course, the wildlife that makes the islands so famous. There are, sadly, many more moments that were recorded only in my visual cortex; the shark swimming by me just off Pinnacle Rock at Isla Bartolome; discovering a giant sea turtle resting on the sand in the shallows just off the beach; two dolphins launching themselves from the bow wave of Angelique leaving trails of phosphoresence in the night... I'll have to go back". John learned photography at his father's side, in the field and in the kitchen darkroom. Despite early promise, winning competitions while at college and capturing some spectacular shots as a young adult, in Australia and farther afield, John spent 20 years instead discovering through great effort that he was not meant to be writer. While still fascinated by the striking images that could be recorded through his lens, and filling his walls and those of his friends with his photography, it remained a sideline. A few months ago, John was invited to exhibit his images at the birthday celebrations for a large organisation. Spurred by the success of this "in-house" exhibition, John took the leap to exhibit his photography publically. John sees striking images all around him, and takes pleasure in capturing visual moments so he can relive them forever. This has, he says, the side benefit that he can share them with you too. |
Named after it's distinctive blue roof, this contemporary art space encourages emerging local artists to develop their skills and talents. The local group are developing artists in fields ranging from photography, textiles, pottery, ironwork, acrylic and pastel canvases.
Exhibitions change every six weeks. If you are an artist interested in holding an exhibition please contact the Director - Ali Wass at gallery @ theblueroof.com.au 