Art. Wisdom and Wine: Creative Flow and the Nature Photographer of the Year

Join South Australian Museum scientist, Professor Mike Lee, and multidisciplinary environmental artist and Guildhouse Member, Swapna Namboodiri, for a special evening of breathtaking photography, scientific investigation, and sustainable creative expression.

Professor Mike Lee, an Evolutionary Biologist, will take you on an exclusive after-hours guided tour of this year’s finalists of the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year. Be inspired by the breathtaking natural heritage of the ANZANG region (Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea) and gain a unique insight into the changing nature of our environment and human impact through the camera lens.

Join Artist Swapna Namboordiri for an inspiring, hands-on workshop where creativity and sustainability come together. Guided by Swapna’s unique artistic approach, which is deeply rooted in reimagining the potential of discarded materials, participants will go on a journey of transformation: turning what is often seen as rubbish into something truly valued.

Throughout the evening, participants will explore the art of deconstruction and reassembly, learning how to transform everyday waste into meaningful, sculptural forms. With Swapna’s expert guidance, you’ll delve into the stories and textures of salvaged materials, engaging in a mindful, tactile process that encourages reflection on consumption, beauty, and renewal.

By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with their own completed one-of-a-kind creation that embodies both personal expression and a commitment to sustainable practice.

Come with curiosity, leave with a new perspective of our natural world and your own handmade treasure.

What to expect on the evening:

• Enjoy complimentary alcoholic or non-alcoholic welcome drink upon arrival. Drinks available for purchase throughout the evening.

• Exclusive after-hours guided tour of Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year.

• Get hands-on in a guided workshop, which includes all required materials. Just bring yourself! 

• Entry to Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition all night.

• Plan your evening in advance and upgrade your ticket to enjoy pre-purchased food options!

Adults-only event; ticket holders must be +18 years. Everyone welcome, workshop is suited for beginners or participants with no prior art experience. 

Tickets are strictly limited. Book Now!

Presented by Guildhouse and the South Australian Museum with support from Nature Festival.

Meet the Presenters

Professor Mike Lee

Professor Mike Lee is an evolutionary biologist at the South Australian Museum and Flinders University. He is particularly interested in living and fossil reptiles, but has also worked on birds, mammals, fish and invertebrates. His research focuses on reconstructing the tree of life - inferring how organisms are related to each other using both anatomical and genetic information.  He is also an enthusiastic photographer always keen to get interesting images of the critters he is studying.

Swapna Namboodiri

Multidisciplinary artist, Swapna Namboodiri’s art practice is deeply rooted in the exploration of upcycled materials, transforming discarded objects into meaningful sculptural artworks. Through the process of deconstruction and reassembly, she aims to challenge perceptions of value and waste, highlighting the beauty and potential of materials that have been overlooked or discarded by society. Swapna’s artworks are an expression of sustainability, creativity and the constant evolution of form. Each work is a dialogue between the past and present, inviting viewers to reflect on their relationship with the objects around them, as well as the impact of consumption and disposability in our world.