by Carla Caruso
Former Sydneysider Christina Tilston recently began as one of our volunteers, helping with admin and taking beautiful pics on our Guided Walks.
Along the way, she has been enjoying learning about Adelaide’s history, and now Loves Your Park Lands. This week, we put Christina in the hot-seat for a volunteer profile.
Christina Tilston.
Christina, why do you love taking images of our city, including the Adelaide Park Lands?
The beauty of Adelaide’s Park Lands captures my imagination. I have 7,600,000 square metres of Park Lands to explore, and I’ve always been fascinated by photographs of nature.
Photography is a beautiful artform that can bring creativity and enjoyment into your life.
I can walk around places on my own and absorb my surroundings in much more detail than I otherwise would.
What kind of camera or phone do you use and when do you take your pics?
I have an iPhone and also an old Canon camera, and mostly take pictures early morning or just before sunset.
If you are photographing your subject around sunrise, you will have some beautiful backlight to work with — a golden glow — and the parks may be busier in the afternoons.
But I love to photograph with this light and also when the sun dips beyond the horizon even.
Part of the Chihuly exhibition at the Adelaide Botanic Garden (Park 11), snapped by Christina Tilston.
What inspired you to volunteer with the Adelaide Park Lands Association and how do you help?
I’m new to Adelaide, and by moving to a new city, I have stepped out of my comfort zone and challenged myself in new ways. One of the easiest way to begin to feel at home in a new community is doing some volunteering work.
After replying to the Association’s volunteer callout, I met with APA president Shane Sody and the committee’s secretary, Sandra Lindermann. For the past two months, Sandra has been showing me the ropes [of her role].
She also has introduced me to the Adelaide Park Lands Art Prize committee members. So, I’m excited to be part of such great initiatives and feel happy to be able to use my diverse skills and abilities while assisting others.
I’m also delighted to be part of something with such a worthwhile impact on our community.
Sea lavender captured by Christina Tilston in Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi (Park 16).
Which park in the Adelaide Park Lands is your favourite?
It has to be Possum Park / Pirltawardli (Park 1), with all the magnificent gum trees, and because of its golf courses as I love playing golf.
Adelaideans are so lucky to have three gorgeous golf courses located in the beautiful Adelaide Park Lands.
How often do you frequent the Adelaide Park Lands?
Nearly everyday. I do the 1.9-mile [or 3km] loop trail in Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi (Park 16) often. It’s an easy route; it takes roughly 45 minutes to complete.
Overcast, windy or sunny, I love being outdoors and present in the natural environment around me. There's just something soothing and comforting about being out in the fresh air.
Golf is a passion for Christina. She took this pic during a guided walk at Possum Park / Pirltawardli (Park 1), encompassing the North Adelaide Golf Course.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Here are a few tidbits about myself ... I enjoy cooking and like keeping fit. Over the years, I have volunteered some of my time to various large fundraising community groups in Sydney.
My list of hobbies includes watercolour and oil painting, philosophy, psychology, live theatre, art, golf, meditation, walking, listening to music, learning, and healthy living.
I also attend lectures, panel discussions, and other live presentations.
Cyclists taking part in a Winter Criterium event at Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi (Park 16), photographed by Christina Tilston.
Keen to volunteer with the Adelaide Park Lands Association? Check out these opportunities.
