Uluru - Kata Tjuta

Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park

Wow, what an amazing experience!

You can now fly directly to Uluru, previously known as Ayers Rock. The pilot of our plane was kind enough to circle around Uluru, giving everyone a breathtaking view from the air. The surrounding landscape is incredibly dry during the summer, yet there were far more small shrubs and trees than I had expected. The Spinifex grasses—four different species found in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park—are remarkable. The soft spinifex (Triodia pungens) and hard spinifex (Triodia basedowei) are the most common, while porcupine grass (Triodia irritans) and feathertop spinifex (Triodia schinzii) can be found among the domes of Kata Tjuta, formerly known as the Olgas.

Stepping off the plane felt like walking into a fan oven. The dry heat hit us like a wall, instantly slowing us down and making us more mindful of our surroundings. Life here demands a different pace, one that allows space for reflection and awe.

We visited Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park every morning at dawn and every evening at sunset during our stay. The mornings were the only time it was possible to walk any distance, so we arrived at the park gates by 5 a.m., while it was still dark. Watching the sky shift from deep indigo to brilliant hues as the sun rose was mesmerising, with the landscape bursting into vivid colour as daylight took hold.

I am still awed by the experience and cannot wait to begin working from the drawings and colour studies I created in situ. As I continue traveling, this work will have to wait until my return to the UK, but the inspiration is already alive within me.

My aim is to hold an exhibition upon my return to the UK later this year. I will keep you updated on the dates and location. In the meantime I have uploaded a few of the Australian paintings here. Thank you for following along on my journey.