Central Environmental Services, Alexandra, Otago, NZ

Look for my new book

"Central Otago - A view from the Interior"

Reeds/Raupo, Out in Bookshops Now

Look for my new book

"Central Otago - A view from the Interior"

Reeds/Raupo, Out in Bookshops Now

Look for my new book

"Central Otago - A view from the Interior"

Reeds/Raupo, Out in Bookshops Now

In 2008 I published a book - a photographic journey - on Central Otago. The inspiration for this book, 'Central Otago - A View from the Interior', has been gradually nurtured and developed over the 30-odd years my family and I have resided in Alexandra, the 'heart' of Central Otago. For me, the combination of extensive landscape, evolving skyscape and shifting light epitomize Central Otago. The extensive panoramic views presented by Central's landscape have always intrigued me, as they have many other artists, so it was a natural progression to try and reproduce that in my digital imagery. Combined with the unique flora forming part of my university training, and the fauna and geology of the region, that makes for a photographers wonderland.

My objective in creating this book was to present the land and sky and structures that make up the Central Otago I have seen and experienced as I traveled across it. It is a land of many moods and extremes - wind, snow, frost, heat, drought - with only 400mm annual rainfall as close to true desert as we may ever get in New Zealand but with water abounding in the mighty Clutha Mata-au River as it carves its way to the sea. Add to that a relatively long and colourful human history, as we see in the gold exploration relics, the old mining, mustering and tramping huts, the wildflowers dotted around, and a rich tapestry of interaction between man and the land presents itself - these are moments frozen in time.

The book has sold out - am considering re-publishing in a smaller, hard cover format.

Barrie Wills (KiwImages), ISBN 978-0-7900-1096-0, 2008,