International author shares her story in Still Life

A photo of Jane Cornwell and her mother Olivia. Image credit: Hilary Walker

An international journalist and author has written about her months spent in lockdown in Montrose as part of the Still Life Yarra Ranges project.

Home on the ranges is a piece written by The Whirl author, Jane Cornwell, commissioned by Yarra Ranges Council for Still Life Yarra Ranges.

Ms Cornwell was visiting from London, seeing her mum in Montrose, when she found herself unexpectedly stuck because of COVID-19.

Home on the ranges is about her life during lockdown, as she reflects about her childhood in the Yarra Ranges.

Ms Cornwell is a London-based journalist who has written for numerous magazines and newspapers, including Rolling Stone, The Age, The Guardian and The Independent. She has interviewed musicians from Nick Cave to Dolly Parton and Hollywood favourites such as Meryl Streep and Martin Scorsese.

The Still Life Yarra Ranges project was the perfect way for Jane to preserve her experiences of the COVID-19 lockdown.

Home on the ranges is a love letter to Mooroolbark and Montrose, a memoir of Jane’s childhood and an ode to her cherished parents.

A photo of Jane Cornwell and her mother Olivia. Image credit: Hilary Walker

A photo of Jane Cornwell and her mother Olivia. Photo by Hilary Walker

From Fred the friendly huntsman, to the call of a lyrebird and the vibrant wings of a crimson rosella, Home on the ranges is full of recognisable moments.

Living with her charismatic, piano-playing mum during lockdown, Jane experiences moments of stillness and peace during a difficult time.

Home on the ranges is just one of dozens of community submissions that are on display so far in the Still Life Yarra Ranges online gallery.

There are elegant haikus and fun-filled photos, as well as personal reflections on lockdown and its impact on our lives. The Still Life project is a collection of experiences, shared by members of the community – everyone is welcome to submit their own stories.

To read Jane’s beautiful memoir and view the rest of the Still Life Yarra Ranges submissions, visit the online gallery at yrc.vic.gov.au/still-life

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