We seem to be moving closer and closer to the opening of the Warrahwillah gallery in Margaret River. Once a few more items fall into place I will advise you of details including location, opening times and even an opening party.

Last week I started talking up another announcement regarding the gallery. I mentioned I though it was super exciting and a huge bonus to the art credibility of the gallery. Well it is both of these and I am very pleased to announce that it won’t be just my work hanging in the gallery.

I have approached one of “the best” water photographers and he has agreed to exhibit his work alongside mine. The photographer is Russell Ord and many of you will know that he is renowned for “up close and personal” water shots in some very serious surf.

Globally at this point in time there are a hand full of photographers that really take on the big heavy open water breaks by swimming into the line up and getting amongst it. Russell is one of them. Not only does he do it, he loves it. Every solid swell and he is good to go.

The photographs captured are typically dramatic and yet within the frozen image there is remarkable beauty. The early test prints I have been making have me in awe.

Appropriately Russell’s opening exhibit is titled “Deep Water”. It is a selection of 16 images that present the drama and beauty of large surf at the point of breaking. All images are captured whilst swimming or immediately beside the break on a jetski. It is an experience most of us won’t ever live through. Here are a few comments he made in reference to capturing these images.

“Deep Water….

I wish these photos could produce the sound of the wave exploding onto the reef, the energy is surreal. There are moments in time while swimming on your own when all the senses are extremely highlighted, from a small splash out the back from a bird or dolphin to being dragged along the bottom and thrown around in the turbulence, it’s very peaceful knowing there is nothing you can possibly do until the energy of the wave concludes, I imagine a floating in space type of feeling. I expect these are the reasons for enjoying the ocean and trying to capture its many faces and beauty in the form of a photograph

Short but this is why I do it…”

 

Russell in action.

 

 

I have found the images to be completely complimentary to my own and they sit very well together. There is remarkably little overlap. Russell’s images will be available in the same print quality and media that all of the Warrahwillah’s images are produced in. They will be displayed at the gallery in a variety of formats. You can research that of the Warrahwillah website but better yet wait a little bit longer and come and see them at the new gallery. They will be spectacular I promise.

To find out more about Russell’s exhibit or my own photography and about the gallery in general “like” the Warrahwillah page on facebook.

WARRAHWILLAH facebook page

Russell’s website is http://www.russellord.com/

Got to go now, lots to do.

Tony