Dale Williams

I have been fascinated by rocks, volcanoes, fossils, dinosaurs and the vastness of the earth's history for as long as I can remember. It was inevitable that this love of all things geologic would influence my recent discovery of watercolour.

This past year has been one of exploration, trial and error, and learning - about the geology of Flinders Island and the practice of watercolour. Every cliff, every stone and pebble on the beach tells a story of a "World without vestige of a beginning or prospect of an end." (1)

The magnificent geology has provided the inspiration for this series of paintings focusing on the rocks forming the characteristic landscapes of the island. "Rocks so old they have forgotten the singing and the shouting of the sea, the violence of the earth in the making" (2), and rocks so young you can see captured shells and smell the sea.

I have also tried to incorporate some of the principles of Tao into the process of painting, thinking about centreing myself and achieving balance and aiming for "Effortless Action, Spontaneity, Natural Simplicity and Compassion". This brings joy, lightness and flow into my work.

(1). Quote from James Hutton, founder of geology
(2). William John Wills, 1861 from the Sunburnt Country quoted in Rock of Ages, I Bayley.

Dale is new to the world of art, beginning her adventures in watercolor several years ago. She has no formal training, but has learned a great deal, been encouraged and inspired by the women in the Tuesday afternoon painting group.

Her work revolves around the rocks, sea, paddocks, scrub and ever changing landscapes of Flinders Island, especially around Badger Corner where she lives.

Dale worked for many years as a geologist before moving to Flinders Island. Her fascination with rocks, fossils, geological time and the forces of nature strongly influences her perspective and work.

Dale has exhibited her work in the annual Flinders Island Show. Swans at Petrification Bay won First Prize in the Novice Watercolour Division in 2004.