The Black Summer Fires

The fires in the Shoalhaven region raged through the summer months of 2019/20. Living in the Ulladulla Shire, we could witness from certain areas, fires engulfing entire peninsulas in the distance. The smouldering fires carried the stench of smoke that turned skies orange and grey and littered the waves and shoreline with charred debris. The shore was our refuge, our sanctuary, to consider all those threatened and to pray for their safe keeping.

The last night of the fires, gale force winds miraculously dropped in a sudden moment, ending the Black Summer Fires. Some living in the Milton hills nearby suffered loss of homes and land. The Ulladulla Shire shoreline was saved but every sentient being was deeply affected, many were traumatized.

Floods and La Niña

What followed was weeks of unending rain. This brought colossal surf that dragged the charred debris of the fires into the belly of the ocean, restoring the shoreline and cleansing the water. La Niña accelerated the rainfall, drenching the ground, helping to reduce fears of another summer bushfire.

Covid

When Covid lockdowns hit soon after the first round of flooding, in the quietude of human absence, nature continued its renewal and animals gave birth. The sacred hour when we could leave our homes only deepened our connection to nature.

Hiatus

Although conditions appeared improved on the Eastern Coast this summer of 2022/23, our climatic upheavals of recent times have left a foreboding message. If we fail to tread lightly as we have done for centuries , this hiatus maybe upturned with a ferocity that has no equal.

The Shop Gallery, 112 Glebe Pt Rd, Glebe Mar 24 - Mar 29, 2023 11am - 5pm