A new chapter in scent and place
There’s a quiet magic in the way scent lingers in memory, how light moves across the land, how the seasons shape our days in ways both subtle and profound. These are the stories we tell in Sketches – a journal of beauty, poetry and ritual, capturing life in the Australian bush.
As we settle into the rhythm of our new home in historic Rockley, we’ll be sharing more of what’s inspiring us – the changing landscape, the rituals of home, and the artistry of those who draw creativity from this wild and beautiful land, and further afield.
Every fortnight or so, Sketches will trace the lines of place and creative living, inviting you to slow down, take notice and find connection in the natural world.
Our first piece this year, Scents That Sing Us Home, is now live – a meditation on longing for the scents of home by Australian writer Nikki Gemmell, along with glimpses below of the things that are sparking creativity here at Southern Wild Co right now.
We invite you to linger, to read and immerse yourself in this week's edition of Sketches.
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Four things that have shaped our thoughts this week
Carol Jerrems: The Untamed Vision of 1970s Melbourne
We're currently reading a wonderful book about the work of Carol Jerrems, whose bold photography takes us straight back to 1970s Melbourne and Sydney. A fearless photographer and filmmaker, Jerrems captured the raw spirit of indigenous voices, restless youth, and early feminists with a blend of performance, documentary, and self-revelation. Her iconic work, including 'Vale Street,' echoes the daring edge of Larry Clark and Nan Goldin yet remains uniquely her own. Her journey was cut short at 30, but her legacy lives on, as vibrant as Francesca Woodman’s. Discover her untamed vision at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra from November 30, 2024, to March 2, 2025. There’s also a really great article here.
Cath Kidston: the floral-obsessed entrepreneur on why life isn’t always a bed of roses
In our first Sketches journal for the year, we’re sharing a special podcast that speaks to our love for creativity and entrepreneurship. Homing In – Cath Kidston by The Modern House Podcast captures the essence of a designer we’ve admired for years. We’ve been long-time fans of Cath, following her journey since the early 90s, and I was particularly captivated by her delightful vintage aesthetic while living in London. The way Cath built her brand, staying true to her unique vision, has been a constant source of inspiration. Plus, it’s impossible not to be drawn to how genuinely kind and down-to-earth she seems. This episode is a celebration of passion, perseverance, and the beauty that comes from embracing life’s ups and downs. Listen here
Old house, new home
As we embark on the transformation of our own Georgian piece of Australian history, we're immersing ourselves in as much knowledge as we can to ensure we’re doing justice to the home’s rich heritage. One source of inspiration has been George Clarke’s Old House, New Home series. George’s ability to blend the old with the new, helping people make their period homes fit for modern life, resonates with us deeply. His approach not only respects the history of each house but also breathes fresh life into them, creating spaces that feel both timeless and relevant to today's way of living. Watch here.
A world away – Landscape artist of the year
In this tenth anniversary series of Landscape Artist of the Year, presenter Stephen Mangan travels through the rolling green countryside of the UK, a landscape that offers a dramatic contrast to our sunburnt Australian hills and rugged coastlines. The search is on for the nation’s most talented landscape artist, with 2000 hopefuls competing for a coveted spot, and only 48 making it through to the six heats. From towering mountains to bustling cityscapes, and the awe-inspiring feats of Victorian engineering, each location offers a new challenge for the artists. The competition culminates at Stonehenge, where three finalists will battle it out for the grand prize: a £10,000 commission to create a landscape for the Courtauld Gallery. This journey into the heart of the UK’s countryside, though a world apart from our own vast, sunburned land, offers a profound reminder of the connection between artist and the land they love. Watch here.
“The smell of dawn out bush. A southerly buster blowing in to break the back of the heat. The scent of rain and the earth opening up to receive its blessing — the definition of petrichor, my favourite word, Aussie-devised to boot.” – Nikki Gemmell