Early Bird
Tom Schulte

August 31 - September 21 2024

About Tom Schulte

Tom Schulte is a photographer and printmaker based in Northern NSW, Australia. Self taught and leading with an intuitive approach, his recent pieces stem from fast-paced photographic expeditions through rural areas of Australia and overseas. With admirations for historic darkroom processes, Tom employs various traditional and alternative print-making methods in his work. Current collection comprises large format bromoil prints, an amalgam of silver gelatin printing and ink painting.

Artist statement

I occasionally hear in my head a sweet little bird song… Some spectacular locations, my critical eyes have seen. Yet despite the thrills from absorbing such surroundings, the images taken in my journeys are often insignificant. I’ve gathered that regardless of my location, my method of movement, and whatever form of beauty is revealed as I traverse the lands or the great open sky, I cannot predict whether a fine image will be exposed in my camera. My confidence in my skills be damned, the great world declares. But I can recall that in the instances where I shot these photographs here, I heard that sweet song. The song of the Japanese Bush Warbler that I, albeit seldomly, grew up listening to as a child. And though I may not be in their habitat, the melody returns. It ebbs and flows now without forewarning, and I like to believe, or imagine, that if I hear this bird, I will soon have a latent image worthy of further work. Worthy of strenuous effort to realise what a fraction of a second can disclose. ‘Early Bird’ is derived from my (ongoing) ‘Ghost Gully’ series, a collection of nature-orientated images taken in the last several years. Originally a well-founded location, Ghost Gully now serves as an undefined space. It leaves no breadcrumbs, nor can coordinates be found. But one shall know when there, for the warbler will sing and peace will be found..