Tony Belton
For me, my images (and video clips) are a tangible record of our nature and wildlife and how precious it is. Individuals, businesses and governments must all be responsible in ensuring the survival (and renewal) of our natural environment, as record numbers are being pushed to extinction.
Prior to moving to Iluka I lived for nearly 4 decades on the edge of the Nightcap National Park, in a small wood cabin I built on an intentional community. This was 4 decades of wild and often confronting raw nature in a subtropical rainforest on the edge of a World Heritage National Park. During that time I also worked extensively for National Parks in various local parks and reserves as a Field Officer and loved every minute of it!
My Story
I hope my images instill a sense of awe at the beauty of our natural environment, particularly around Iluka. Since moving to Iluka nearly two decades ago, I have seen considerable change, but the birds, animals, reptiles and insects and stunning scenery have been a constant joy and inspiration for me. I’m the guy often seen on a bicycle with a camera bag slung over my shoulder ranging from the Iluka Break Wall and up to Woody Head and Shark Bay and all places in between.
I’ve also taken many images from my kayak on the magnificent mighty Clarence River, and more recently I’ve been making small videos of my snorkelling adventures in rock pools around Iluka’s headlands, using a small GoPro camera. The sea life in those rock pools is incredible!
Occasionally too, you might catch me standing atop a rocky outcrop filming large waves crashing into the Coast (crazy I know).
Big weather events, while being potentially dangerous and destructive, are part of our natural environment and make for great photos and film footage, and enthrall me with the power and energy of the ocean.
My exhibition wall space displays canvas images and printed paper images. I have the canvases produced for me in Tenterfield using sustainable pine framing, and the paper images I print myself using quality pigment inks and a range of quality papers including Ilford Pearl and Gloss, as well as Epson Fine Art papers.
If there is a canvas image you prefer as a print, or you prefer a print in another size, contact me.
