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.

The Imagery refers to the rich and diverse living environment of this estuarine bay of Kangaroo Island’s coastlands, the sea charts of European arrival, part quoting Vaughan Williams’ ‘Lark Ascending’ in my title, and his and my love the beauty and biodiversity of country before an uncertain future.