The New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM), Armidale, opened two important exhibitions late last month. New England High Country in Focus exhibits images of regional life, landscapes and people, and accompanies the publication of New England High Country: Forty Photographers, edited by Terry Cooke.
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Salient: Contemporary artists at the Western Front displays moving artworks by a dozen leading Australian artists that express the senselessness of war. Both run until Saturday, June 3.
While the exhibitions run, we will bring you interviews with the artists, commenting on their work.
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For Lib Martin, a good photo also tells a story.
“Whether it’s shearing a sheep, sweat dripping off the brow, or a little echidna cruising around a paddock,” she says, “it’s all part of the bigger picture.”
The Armidale councillor, who lives on a property out near Wollomombi, has five photographs in New England High Country, including pictures of drenching rams, a koala, and a frost-covered landscape.
Her favourite photo shows a Kelly’s truck carrying sheep away to be sold, on a dry and dusty morning.
“We were in drought,” she says, “and we have been for a long time. We had some ewes that were in lamb, and we had to sell them, because it got so dry we actually ran out of water.”
And it’s her favourite because it tells a real story.
“It’s what actually happens when you’re on the land and working in the country that we live in,” she says. “We’re one of millions that have had to make that same decision.”
Photography, Liz says, is her passion. She takes her camera with her everywhere, always ready should the right picture appear.
Five or six years ago, she invested in a quality camera, vowing never to set it on automatic; and took a course at the Guyra Adult Learning Centre.
Since then, her photos have appeared in Dan McIntosh’s Outback Stations and Outback Mates, and in Elders and Herefords calendars.
As councillor, Martin believes New England should attract more tourists. She hopes the book will encourage people to visit the region.
“It’s great you can pick up a book, and look at photos of all the beautiful things that are in our area.
“For people to want to come here, they need to see what’s here. The book covers a wide area; not just Armidale, but the whole New England region. It promotes our region, but it’s also a great encouragement for photographers.”
New England High Country: 40 Photographers is on sale for $45 from NERAM and selected retailers in Armidale, while some photographs are also available from NERAM. The exhibition runs until June 3.