In the Garden (No.1 in Series) Ed. 1 of 20

In the Garden evokes the excitement one feels when experiencing a familiar environment in new ways. Through time spent considering the relationship between native plants, noxious weeds, ants, bees, weather, water or seeds, an understanding of the chaotic but essentially intertwined network of life can emerge. It is beautiful in its chaos.

This photographic series overlays analogue lumen prints made in collaboration with the environment and the vibrant colours of native and alien plants and flowers. Colour and energy emerge through the contrast of studio still-life traditions and performative actions.

Follow

James Farley is an artist and teacher based in Regional NSW. His work connects deeply with environmental themes, often seeking out contradictory beauty. Tom Waits said he likes beautiful melodies telling him terrible things, and this is what James strives for in his photography. His recent projects visualise the intersections of ecological, industrial, and cultural forces in this time of ecological crisis.

As a teacher, James is a passionate advocate for the development, promotion, and support of regional artists. James is a co-founder of Good Sport, an independent art space and community for artists working in the Riverina. He is also a founder and partner at F.Stop Workshop, a community, education and photography centre in Wagga Wagga, NSW.

James has presented exhibitions, lectures, and community programs across regional and metropolitan Australia and abroad. His work is held in multiple public and private collections and has received recognition in the form of multiple prizes, grants and awards. James has been a finalist in the Bowness Photography Prize (2019), The National Photography Prize (2018), and the World Photography Prize (2015). In 2015 he was an inaugural recipient of the CreateNSW Young Regional Artist Scholarship and in 2016, James was awarded the NSW Young Achiever of the Year Award (Arts).