Hello Friends, I’m coming to you with blog 30! The last two months have been hectic! I’ve caught up with friends, been sick, had medical appointments and taken lots of images; so, let’s get stuck straight into it.
On 7th September, Liam (my support worker) and I travelled to Maroondah Reservoir where we took in the spectacular (and very popular) Revells Falls.
Revells Falls. Image by Teague Leigh.
We then wandered around the reservoir which I loved – something about a large concrete structure always gets me excited.
Maroondah Reservoir. Image by Teague Leigh.
To round off the day we went to Selover’s lookout (where there were indeed a couple, taking in the sights – sorry to them for ruining the mood). The sky didn’t pop so we didn’t stay for sunset, but it was pretty, nonetheless. I would do this day all over again (starting at Selover’s Lookout for sunrise).
The view from Selover’s Lookout. Image by Teague Leigh.
Next, on the 12th, Michael and I travelled to Lorne for a few days just as a mini getaway. We stayed at a friend’s holiday home, which was delightful with ocean views up in the hills. Before dinner on the 12th we walked to St Georges River Lookout and the pier, then after dinner walked up the hill – it was steep and not something we repeated during our stay!
The area heading to the lookout. Image by Teague Leigh.
Lorne Pier. Image by Teague Leigh.
The next day we drove to Erskine Falls. Unfortunately, due to storm damage the lower falls are currently closed so we could not get up close.
Erskine Falls. Image by Teague Leigh.
However, we also drove to Lower Kalimna Falls and did the 45min hike there and back to see the beauty that is Lower Kalimna Falls. You can walk behind the falls. Due to damage Upper Kalimna Falls are closed, but that was ok, we got our waterfall fix in – it is ok to go chasing waterfalls.
Lower Kalimna Falls. Image by Teague Leigh.
On the 14th, on the way back to Melbourne, we drove to Sheoak Falls. These falls are probably the favourite of the three falls we visited this trip as the walk in is beautiful and the maintenance of the area means you can get up quite close (though it is a challenge to photograph with the shadows and highlights on the rocks).
Sheoak Falls. Image by Teague Leigh.
Afterwards we kept driving to Sentinel Rock Beach that features the Sentinel Rock a little way out to shore, and the aptly named rock formation Ninja Rooster (which was my favourite).
Sentinel Rock. Image by Teague Leigh.
Ninja Rooster Rock. Image by Teague Leigh.
Our last destination before heading home was Sunnymead Beach. At the end of Sunnymead Beach there is an archway rock formation, however the tide was coming in fast, so we were unable to scramble to get to see it. Or rather, I was unable to scramble – Michael hopped over rocks like a mountain goat and took pics with their phone!
Sunnymead Beach. Image by Teague Leigh.
Michael’s parents came to stay with us for a couple of nights, so we took them to CherryHill Orchards on the morning of the 28th. The location is great and had plenty of activations located around and in between the rows of cherry trees that were in bloom. We were fortunate because they were shutting the orchard to visitors three days later due to incoming storms.
CherryHill Orchard. Image by Teague Leigh.
Later that day I had a paid photography gig – photographing the rehearsals for Dirt Church. You may recall how I captured the hero image with Jessie Ngaio for the Melbourne Fringe Festival promotional material. I was honoured to photograph this event as I love collaborating with Jessie and seeing into her outstanding mind. Dirt Church sold out every night it ran, and deservedly so. Michael and I went to opening night and I loved being an audience member.
Dirt Church. Image by Teague Leigh.
The next Melbourne Fringe Festival show I photographed was Yes, Sir, by Andrew Rose on the 3rd October. I had photographed Andrew as part of the Q-Lit Festival last year – he was performing a smut poem which involved fisting et al. Yes, Sir was Andrew’s first solo show, so it was an honour to get to be a part of this monumental occasion.
Yes, Sir. Image by Teague Leigh.
On the 19th October, Liam and I drove to Langi Ghiran in Buangor. I specifically wanted to get to this area to see the First Nations rock painting. It was my first time seeing rock paintings and it was incredible, highly recommend!
Langi Ghiran. Image by Teague Leigh.
Next, we drove to Steiglitz Historic Park. Steiglitz is an old mining town, and some of the old buildings have been restored and used as residential housing, some are still intact and left as historical evidence. Here we were going to go for a hike, but not one but two magpies decided they wanted to violently attack us, so we turned around 15mins into our walk. I would love to return when it is not magpie nesting season!
Steiglitz Church. Image by Teague Leigh.
Lastly, on the 29th, I made the short list of the Changing Room Gallery Emerging Artist Award Exhibition. The Changing Room Gallery is on the top level of The Motley Bauhaus, so it is not accessible now, but they are saving to put in a lift. Regardless, it would have been amazing to win the coveted week-long exhibition prize for 2027. I did not, however, win. That honour went to Amy Fabry-Jenkins (@the.stitches.you.didnt.burn) with a piece featuring hand embroidery and applique with beaded embellishment. The embroidery is of her partner asleep whilst journaling and I love it immensely.
Me standing in front of “Mother”. Image by Michael Earp.
“Soft Dreams - Vietnam Hotel Room”. Image by Michael Earp.
Up next for me is a colonoscopy/endoscopy on Monday – wish me luck! The surgeon is just being precautious – all my other tests have come back fine, and we have no concerns over this, but we shall see. As for the next couple of months, I actually have no idea what I’ve got on, other than a paid gig for the Melbourne Rainbow band in December and having new artworks in a couple of group exhibitions and my mirror balls will be hanging as part of the Alter State Festival closing night party – which is exciting, but as that is the same night as the Melbourne Rainbow Band I will not get to see them hanging, lol.
Question of the month: What is your favourite season?
Be kind to yourselves, each other, and the planet.
T.Leigh
