Natalie Barovsky – aka the photographer Natsky – has taken the bold step of opening Lismore’s first dedicated photography gallery, Fox Photo Den.
“The idea was a bit of a risk,” says Natksy, “but judging by the support it was one well worth taking.” Almost 300 people gathered at the old Hurford’s Hardware building to celebrate the opening. With live music by Deana & Julia, wine and food, and of course the wonderful array of images on the walls, it was a night to remember.
“We’ve already got photographers putting images together for the next exhibition in four weeks time,” Natsky says.
On show were images by Denise Alison of the fabulous Humans of Lismore (facebook.com/Humansoflismore) , the Northern River’s favourite landscape photographer Alex Clarke, the artistic nudes of Cloud Nine’s Simon Fraser, amazing wildlife photography by Meg Gordon, a rare dabble with a holga camera by local artist Michael ‘Whitey’ White and flora details by Natsky herself.
Meg Gordon, Reflection.
“There are so many amazing images out there trapped on hard drives that are never being seen. Exhibiting is expensive so at the Den I am trying to minimise those costs for photographers and help them to get their work out there. It is also the reason the Den wont’ – I repeat won’t – be charging commission on sales. It’s the photographer’s work, so they should be rewarded for it in full,” says Natsky, who is both owner and operator of the Den.
Natksy fully intends that The Den will be evolving over time with much more photography based events planned over the coming months. “Think studio, workshops, darkroom, events and much more,” she says. “It will only happen if the people want it though, so people need to get involved, either as a photographer or somebody who loves beautiful imagery.”
So next time you’re in Lismore, make sure you take a wander through the Northern Rivers latest art space.
Natsky, Viking Ship.
Landscape photographer and regular Verandah Magazine contributor Alex Clarke, changed lenses for the evening and focused on the opening night crowd:
