Merewether Ocean Baths, Australia
Emerging (version two)
0650, 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.
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 these inevitable changes, brisk early mornings, warm, soft dusks, bright, hot afternoons, and cold, weather-beaten nights still cycle with the seasons.
As worn, whitewashed steps are refurbished, they continue to carry unshod feet as they skip and later shuffle, 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.
My camera now uses pixels instead of film, yet those three books still inspire and remind me of the techniques and magic of my craft.
I will always be drawn to the pools, searching for the new in these nostalgic, cherished places.
Every picture I have made encapsulates the essence of my story. Each piece is unique, whether it is intricate details, obscure abstracts, or expansive vistas. 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. It includes a maximum of five prints and up to two Artist Proofs.
Emerging (version two)
0650, 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.
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 these inevitable changes, brisk early mornings, warm, soft dusks, bright, hot afternoons, and cold, weather-beaten nights still cycle with the seasons.
As worn, whitewashed steps are refurbished, they continue to carry unshod feet as they skip and later shuffle, 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.
My camera now uses pixels instead of film, yet those three books still inspire and remind me of the techniques and magic of my craft.
I will always be drawn to the pools, searching for the new in these nostalgic, cherished places.
Every picture I have made encapsulates the essence of my story. Each piece is unique, whether it is intricate details, obscure abstracts, or expansive vistas. 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. It includes a maximum of five prints and up to two Artist Proofs.
Emerging (version two)
0650, 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.
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 these inevitable changes, brisk early mornings, warm, soft dusks, bright, hot afternoons, and cold, weather-beaten nights still cycle with the seasons.
As worn, whitewashed steps are refurbished, they continue to carry unshod feet as they skip and later shuffle, 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.
My camera now uses pixels instead of film, yet those three books still inspire and remind me of the techniques and magic of my craft.
I will always be drawn to the pools, searching for the new in these nostalgic, cherished places.
Every picture I have made encapsulates the essence of my story. Each piece is unique, whether it is intricate details, obscure abstracts, or expansive vistas. 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. It includes a maximum of five prints and up to two Artist Proofs.
‘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.’
Foley Fine Art Prints are supplied with a signed Certificate of Authenticity. They are expertly crafted to ensure archival quality on Ilford Prestige Galerie Smooth Cotton Rag or Hahnemühle Photo Rag heavyweight paper. The paper size allows for a 20mm white border, but as I treat each scene individually, different pictures may have bespoke crop or form factors.
Australia-wide delivery is free via trackable courier, fully insured for damages. Please allow 14-21 days for production and delivery.
For Australian-based clients, framing options include dry-mounting your giclée print to an acid-free 5mm foam board with an archival adhesive film. This is then placed in a hand-crafted shadowbox frame made from FSC-certified Australian timber, protected by durable 3mm museum-grade plexiglass. The frame is finished with framer’s tape and stainless steel hanging wire.
You can purchase securely with Stripe, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Afterpay. Stripe accepts Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, while PayPal also accepts Visa and MasterCard.
Damaged or lost artwork: Contact me within 48 hours with pictures if you receive damaged artwork. I’ll replace the edition free of charge if possible. If not, I’ll refund you.
Please contact me with any questions or special requests.