Nature strip

It has often been said that nature immersion is one of the best antidotes to modern malaise and stress. However, not all of us have access to pristine landscapes. And what counts as nature?

“These images document my attempts to immerse myself in the only nature available in my urban neighbourhood during Melbourne’s lockdowns. I sought out ‘natural’ plant growth and wild sites in public spaces: nature strips, vacant lots and overgrown corners. Then, I physically got into them in ways contrary to their normal uses, intending to give myself doses of nature. I ‘caught myself in the act’ with a camera on a tripod and a ten-second self-timer.

The images express my longing to reconnect with nature and the absurdity of attempting to fulfil this wish in the middle of a city. They are also a tribute to the indefatigable wild growth of the plant kingdom amongst all the cement and concrete covering up more and more of the earth.”