A Print Shop as a ‘Force for Good’ by Marnie Hawson
Inspired by the animals and landscape she captures, Marnie Hawson gives back with her new print shop.
Words: Emma-Kate Wilson | Photography: Marnie Hawson
Angel the Rare White Eastern Grey Kangaroo for the Little Urchins Wildlife Sanctuary from Marnie Hawson’s Prints for Wildlife project. Photo: Marnie Hawson. Styling: Belle Hemming. Location: Five Acres
‘They have a very strong ‘Australiana’ theme, mostly taken out in the bush along my travels interstate. I live in the Macedon Ranges in Victoria, and a lot of my work is in regional areas — so you shoot what you’re surrounded by!’ says Marnie Hawson. Photo: Marnie Hawson
The gestural formation of the bush, vivid patterns of leaves and trees, cute animal faces, and the rocky outcrop of rural Australia all make the cut for Macedon Ranges, VIC-based photographer Marnie Hawson’s new limited-edition fine art print shop — launched after time in 2021’s lockdown.
‘I'm used to being so busy shooting for my clients that when I have any downtime, I don't want to see my camera at all. I found that on some trips away for work earlier this year, I’d just go out wandering at dusk and see what I came across,’ says Marnie. ‘I have quite a focus on textures and close up detailed shots that give a glimpse of the Australian bush but can fit easily into a modern interior.’
In her series, Prints for Wildlife, 100% of profits are donated to animal shelters of Marnie’s subject matter. Take Kate the Bare-Nosed Wombat for example. Orphaned after her mother was killed on the road, she was taken under the care of Carol Seger of Emerald Monbulk Wildlife Shelter. Or ‘Birdy Num Nums the Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo’, who was left unable to fly after a traumatic ten years trapped in a cage. Thanks to South Oakleigh Wildlife Shelter, he now lives happily in an aviary with a fellow female cockatoo for company.
‘I started the personal project Prints for Wildlife at the very beginning of the pandemic back in March last year. I managed to get around to six shelters before we were in lockdown and used the time to launch the project; I started with one local shelter I had worked with previously and then went on word of mouth to the other six.’
Kate the Bare-Nosed Wombat for the Emerald Monbulk Wildlife Shelter from Marnie Hawson’s Prints for Wildlife project. Photo & Stlying: Marnie Hawson. Location: Room & Board
‘Before photography, I was an environmental scientist for almost ten years. I have an Honours degree in Zoology and wrote a thesis on ‘Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Birds’ — so it goes way back!’ Photo: Marnie Hawson
“The concept is simple. I visit wildlife sanctuaries, take a portrait of one animal, and 100% of profits from each sale of that fine art print goes directly to that wildlife sanctuary.”
Candy the Eastern Kangaroo from Marnie Hawson’s Prints for Wildlife project. Photo & Styling: Marnie Hawson. Location: Room & Board
Birdy Num Nums the Major Mitchell's Cockatoo for the South Oakleigh Wildlife Shelter from Marnie Hawson’s Prints for Wildlife project. Photo & Styling: Marnie Hawson. Location: Room & Board
The entire print shop with the seven 'Prints for Wildlife' and the rest of 40+ collection are stunning images that double as art; the textural effect of feathers or fur with a careful balance of light and dark or the evocative scenes of nature.
It was the push of Marnie’s good friend, interior designer Belle Hemming who encouraged her to set up the print shop after Belle wanted to put the work on her clients’ walls
The print shop also serves as a ‘pivot’ during covid-lockdowns. However, returning some good to the environment continues as a thread throughout her whole practice — with Marnie donating at least 2% of her revenue to non-for-profits and her commitment to achieving B Corp Certification.
‘I did my B Corp assessment (I’m not certified yet, I submitted in April and am still in the lengthy queue!) because to me, running a business is about more than making money,’ Marnie adds. ‘I believe it’s an opportunity to make a positive impact on other businesses, communities, people and the environment.’
Marnie has some tips for fellow artists and creatives who are keen to help alongside working towards B Corp certification, joining 1% for the Planet, and becoming certified carbon neutral. ‘Challenge stereotypes and increase diversity in your profession; make a difference through personal projects and collaborations; and support ethical businesses (including being conscious about what kind of industries your superannuation and banking are supporting).’
Each one of Marnie’s prints are limited edition fine art prints, sustainably made in Melbourne, and shipped via carbon-neutral carriers, and with a 10% discount code for everyone that signs up to her newsletter, they are an easy way for us to support the Australian fauna and flora we love so much!
Cliffside, Port Willunga by Marnie Hawson. Photo: Marnie Hawson. Styling: Belle Hemming. Location: Five Acres
A Glut of Autumn Produce by Marnie Hawson. Photo: Marnie Hawson. Styling: Belle Hemming. Location: Five Acres