Tamika Petersen

The smell of timber with tales to tell, This landscape engraved into every cell, The smell of horse and leather boots Cowboy hats and paddock Utes. My name is Tamika Petersen and I am Photographer and Advanced Tree Nursery Worker an interesting mix, I know.

My passion for photography became apparent at a young age, developing my first roll of film in the darkroom at school, I thought it was such a magical place. I turned towards digital photography later down the track, when I studied Visual Arts and explored areas of Graphic Design and Mixed Media. I was born and raised on the northside of Brisbane, with seaside suburbs and small backyards. Growing up, as most little girls did, I dreamt of having my own “Pony”. Living on an 800sq metre block, 6-year-old me didn’t understand why I couldn’t have that pony. I remember writing a letter to the council asking if I could keep a horse on a vacant block that resided behind our house, which was home to the local scout hall. To my surprise, I received a letter back apologising and turning down my request to keep my pony on their land. It wasn’t until my early 20’s that I found out that my dear mum had replied on behalf of the council. I still have the letter I wrote and the reply from “The Council”. My yearning for vast open spaces, country air and horses has presented itself in different ways. Through travel, work and eventually the big move to the idyllic town of Lancefield in Central Victoria, my partner and I found a place to call home. At present my photographic work has me exploring small rural towns in and around Central Victoria, with a focus on buildings with a historical past or feeling. When I’m not town hopping, you will find me bushwalking, immersing myself in the native landscape and capturing what is in season. Country Victoria has been very kind to us, a familiarity of sorts for a place we have never lived until now. The people of these towns, the connections and life-long friends we have made. With whispers on the horizon, I cannot wait to see what the future brings.

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👉  This story excerpt is from Issue #18 of Kickin Up Dust magazine: December 2023.