Obscura begins with Photography, hence the name.

Beauty has the power to transform us and give us hope. Originally from Western Australia, Gardner’s inspiration comes from the natural world, with its colours, shapes, contrasts, and movement. She uses many different formats and mediums to tell stories that are inspired by truth and infused with beauty. Obscura begins with photography. The name Obscura is derived from camera obscura because her photographs are the foundation for all of her art, prints and wearable designs.

From a long career as a producer and studio engineer in the music industry, Gardner moved into photographing famous musicians and artists on and off stage or at other events which took her on a global journey of discovery. Recording and mixing music taught her to listen and photography to see. During a work project in war-torn Bosnia, she was struck by how beauty can give us hope and help us see beyond our circumstances. That experience inspired her commitment as a photographer, artist, and storyteller to bring beauty to the world that enhances the quality of life for everyone.