The swans of the Western Cove region of Kangaroo Island ascend over one of the soaks of Nepean Bay. They have lived here for probably as long as there have been swans. The lands and Cneorifolia forests are drawn upon their wings. I have made this etching to show the complex environment of this part of the Island’s coastlands the swans inhabit.

The freshwater in the soaks comes far from the west from the old volcanic Wisanger hills, passing deep under the bay, to arise in ponds just behind the low sea dunes. There is a concentration of micro-organisms in these groundwater soaks, and also in the rich and diverse environments of the estuarine bay. This provides a sustaining habitat for birds, marsupials, reptiles, fishes and insects.

On the swans are fragments of the sea charts of Louis De Freycinet. We, as Europeans, had arrived. From the naturalist’s notes, it was clear they were amazed and enthralled by what they saw.

The title of my etching quotes a little from the music of Ralph Vaughan Williams, The Lark Ascending, his piece expressing his love for the countryside in which he lived. It is said that in the time of writing he could see preparations for war and felt the concern for the future of his world. Long away in place and time I share his feelings too.