Lilli Waters
Melbourne-based Lilli Waters captures ethereal images, inspired by the rawness and beauty of nature. We chat to Lilli about her journey as a photographer, lessons she’s learnt along the way, and her upcoming exhibition, Pay Attention to the Heavens, at Curatorial+Co. gallery in Sydney.
Photography: Lilli Waters
Disarm the Gods by Lilli Waters.
‘Photography allows me to express my perspective and share it with the world, and that is a gift I treasure deeply,’ says Lilli Waters. Photo: Courtesy of Lilli Waters.
H&F: Hi Lilli, what led you to where you are today – what has been your trajectory as a photographer?
Lilli: My journey has been shaped by a combination of my passion for photographing women and my connection to the natural world. In my late twenties, I became fascinated by the power of taking portraits of women, mostly friends, or friends of friends, which was basically me finding a voice I hadn’t used before, a way to tell stories and use photography as a way to express emotions. As I honed my skills and expanded my vision, I immersed myself in Australian landscapes, photographing the female form in a variety of environments and experimenting with different light and techniques. Over the past twelve years, I’ve been on a bit of a quest of self-discovery, refining my eye and my craft, pushing my boundaries and seeking new inspiration for every new body of work. This relentless desire for growth and the support of mentors and peers has been crucial in my development as an artist.
Do you think your upbringing in the rural community of Wytaliba in NSW has played a big part in the influence behind your work today?
My first few years living in a hippy commune provided me with a deep appreciation for nature's beauty and a profound connection to the land. Living in a mud brick house in the bush, swimming and bathing in the rivers, the serene landscapes, and the simplicity of that kind of off-the-grid lifestyle seems to have profoundly influenced and informed my art practice. This upbringing instilled in me a sense of wonder and endless curiosity and love for the natural world, which often finds its way into my work. The rawness and beauty of nature constantly inspires and allow me to capture its ethereal and magical qualities, and has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the delicate balance and harmony that exists when we embrace the environment as an inherent part of who we are.
As an artist, what’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way?
One of the most important lessons I've learned as an artist is to trust my creative instincts and embrace vulnerability, even when the doubts and dreads creep in, and they always will. I've learned that taking risks, pushing boundaries, being open to experimentation, and sometimes learning to sit in heavy amounts of discomfort and anxiety whilst making the work can often lead to interesting and transformative artistic expressions.
When did you first understand art and design as a form of expression?
I feel like most small children understand art as a form of expression and are drawn to making and creating. We often lose this, but when I look back there was always a thread for me, my mother creating art around the house, then dance, and music, to stumbling across Renaissance art books in high school then falling in love with photography. A solo trip to Europe at 24 years old, seeing paintings and sculptures up close, affected me in a big way, and this also coincided with my first time engaging with photography and embracing it as a form of expression, I became obsessed with the way the masterpieces capture human emotions using the interplay of light and shadow, rich vibrant alive colours and exceptional attention to detail. This is something that I try to embrace in my own work.
What drives your creativity?
My creativity is driven by a constant curiosity and desire to capture the intangible aspects of the human experience. I have always had a longing to explore the intricate layers of existence and translate them into visual poetry and use a language when I don’t have the words to express it. I’m fascinated by the myriad of emotions and connections that exist beneath the surface, and exploring the depths of these experiences, the vulnerability of the human form, or the timeless beauty found in nature, truly feeds my soul. The never-ending quest to evoke emotions, inspire introspection, and provoke a sense of wonder is what drives me to try to create meaningful and captivating photographs.
Tell us a little about your process...
Each final work I create is a dance between strategic planning and the spontaneous nature of reacting to the environment, whether that be weather, light, the subjects themselves, or the way fabrics react to light and water. It begins with a feeling I want to convey, and from there, after months of research and gathering inspiration from various sources such as music, art and paintings, the moment arrives. Out there, it’s a bit of a hot mess, I don’t use assistants, so it’s just me on a ladder often in the water, trying not to sink in the sand and fall in with my camera. I have to make decisions quickly, such as considering the best time of day to shoot - for light, to avoid tourists and high or low tides, praying the sun will appear or go away when desired, choosing the best composition, and where to place the subjects within the scene. During post-production, I heavily manipulate the final images to achieve my desired moody and ethereal quality, cutting and pasting subjects into the landscapes to create the desired composition. A final image will often be a blend of several combined images, which fit together like pieces of a puzzle. I consider this process just as creative and vital as the photo shoot.
‘I love the ability to create moments and visual narratives that resonate with a feeling I am searching for. The power to evoke emotions and ignite the imagination is immensely gratifying,’ says Lilli Waters. Pictured: Everything is Beautiful by Lilli Waters.
“The rawness and beauty of nature constantly inspires and allows me to capture its ethereal and magical qualities, and has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the delicate balance and harmony that exists when we embrace the environment as an inherent part of who we are.”
‘My creativity is driven by a constant curiosity and desire to capture the intangible aspects of the human experience. I have always had a longing to explore the intricate layers of existence and translate them into visual poetry and use a language when I don’t have the words to express it,’ says Lilli Waters. Photo: Courtesy of Lilli Waters.
Secret To Dwell in, Remain by Lilli Waters.
Your upcoming exhibition, Pay Attention to the Heavens, at Curatorial & Co., empowers the female and is a portrayal of femininity that celebrates the contemporary woman. Why do these themes resonate so strongly for you?
These themes are an embodiment of the multifaceted nature of women, and I believe in the power of celebrating and honouring the diversity and strength of women. The portrayal of femininity in contemporary society is often limited or distorted by societal expectations and stereotypes, even still in 2023. Through my work, I aim to challenge these norms and present a more expansive and authentic representation of women. I want to capture their resilience, fierceness, depth and their beauty in all its forms. By empowering women through my art, I hope to inspire a sense of self-acceptance, confidence, and appreciation for the inherent power that resides within us. When I’m an old lady, I hope to be able to look back and have made work that is a tribute to the resilience and grace of women and a call to embrace our true selves.
Your photographs have an ethereal quality and could be mistaken for Renaissance paintings. How do you achieve this quality in your work?
Well thank you, this is a true compliment as I do draw inspiration from the timeless elegance and transcendent qualities often found in Renaissance paintings. The ethereal quality is achieved through a combination of composition, lighting, and heavy manipulation throughout the post-processing stages. By utilising natural light at certain times of the day, I’m searching for a certain magical dream-like atmosphere. This style resonates with me because it allows me to float above the confines of reality and create a visual language that feels otherworldly, the unearthly and the ethereal, inviting viewers to engage in a realm where imagination and beauty intertwine.
Your latest work features layers including soft pale skin, sparkling water, and gold-embellished fabrics. Why was it so important for you to have all these different layers in your work?
By layering and combining these elements, I aim to create a visual tapestry that invites viewers to explore the complexity and richness of these figures and their worlds. Pale skin jewelled in shining beads, the use of gold-embellished fabrics symbolising both strength and beauty, softness and fragility of the female. Metallic bronze is reminiscent of the noble metals of ancient warriors’ armour, or a flame-like deity floating above an ember-filled sky. Dishevelled red hair trails through ominous waters like raging blooms of algae, and long locks appear like a plume of black smoke symbolising untethered femininity, powerful and dangerous. Their golden veil and winged garments, a shroud, entangling their bodies, and evocative gestures of their hands suggest empowerment, rather than being bound. Together these elements create a tapestry of narratives, revealing the depth and richness of the female spirit.
What/who has been the biggest inuence behind your photographs?
Numerous inuences have shaped my photographic style and vision. This series, in particular, was inspired by the Alexander McQueen exhibition at the NGV, myths and stories read to me in childhood, and the works of classical painters, such as Botticelli and Caravaggio. Beyond artists, the natural world itself serves as a constant source of inspiration, as its beauty and complexity never cease to captivate me.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love the ability to create moments and visual narratives that resonate with a feeling I am searching for. The power to evoke emotions and ignite the imagination is immensely gratifying. The opportunity to connect and collaborate with my subjects, and witness the way they interact with nature is truly rewarding. Photography allows me to express my perspective and share it with the world, and that is a gift I treasure deeply.
What are you looking forward to most this year?
This year has been mainly focused on creating the final eleven works for my solo exhibition, Pay Attention to the Heavens. If you’re in Sydney, please come along to the opening night and drinks (details below) all are welcome! Moving images from this series are also showing at Sydney Contemporary at Carriageworks, from September 7th.
‘Pay Attention to the Heavens’
Curatorial & Co.
Shop G01/02, 80 William Street
Woolloomooloo, NSW
Exhibition dates:
Wednesday August 30 – September 16
Opening Night: Wednesday 30, 5pm – 8pm. All welcome!