A French photographer and a Wahlubal artist have become friends through their admiration of each other’s work.
Dave Tabulam (his photographer name) started a Facebook page featuring photos of nature in and around Tabulam.
Dave captured intimate images of platypuses, kangaroos and many different birds.
William Walker saw Dave’s photos and wanted to meet him.
William grew up at Jubullum and now lives in Canberra. He regularly visits Tabulam with his wife Annie McLoughlin and their daughter.
“Growing up here, I went to school here – there wasn’t a shop,” William said.
His childhood days were spent swimming in the Clarence River and diving for binging (turtles).
He paints his stories of Country and sells them through his website.
“Every Aboriginal painting tells a story,” William said.
“A lot of old people here have passed on.
“We still go hunting. We still respect this land. It’s in our blood. And we pass it down to the younger generation.”
Williams’s paintings spread his culture, he said.
“We’ve been to Gadigal Country (Sydney) spreading culture in the cities.”
William and Dave share their love of Tabulam country through their art.
William particularly likes Dave’s photos of the animals around Tabulam.
“They were here before us, we must respect them,” William said.
“All my paintings reflect on living in harmony on the land.”
William gave Dave two of his original paintings.
“He gave me two gifts,” Dave said.“
It was exciting, he took his time to come and see me and speak to me. It was a magical day.”
The two nature lovers have bonded.
See William’s work on his website and on Facebook. See Dave’s photos on Facebook.
This article appeared on indyNR.com on 19 September 2024.
