Urban Oasis

My Photo scholarship 2010 entry

Australia | Sunday, October 17, 2010 | 5 photos

The sheer thrill of dropping down the cliff face before plummeting into a lagoon of water is enough to capture your memory for a lifetime. Juxtaposed with a housing estate is a breathtaking and luring water filled quarry. Its spanning emerald water, ragged cliff faces and luscious green surroundings entice people to explore the prohibited location. Though it is surrounded by a housing estate, many locals remain somehow unaware of the enormous landform which is only a few minutes walk from their doorstep.

The quarry, while man-made, possesses a natural beauty that captures the imagination of a select few local teenagers. For them, it provides an escape from the restraints of society and everyday life. The quarry is an oasis of freedom, rebellion, and adrenaline. The teenagers who founded this ‘free theme park’ have tried to keep the place ‘untouched.’

Every day at the quarry brings a new experience and each season different animals and plants. The gates and signs that stand in an attempt to prohibit entry are destined to be destroyed, trampled or broken by eager adrenaline filled bodies. They come in packs, they explore, create jumps, yelp and scream. Drenched and muddy with smiles on their faces, scars that engulf their feet and memories that last a lifetime, they leave the quarry behind, knowing they will return soon.

With these photos I have been able to capture wild beauty and create a story in an urban area. I have always loved art and during my travels so far I have experienced moments in which I would have liked to have captured. I would love to be given this amazing opportunity to learn about myself as a photographer, explore the human spirit and capture the diverse beauty of our planet.