Crafted in the wild places.
On canvas, in ink, with hands that remember.
From the tropical forests of Zambia to the Highlands of Scotland.
I'm Marlene — a photographer, writer, and creative entrepreneur raised in the lush tropical jungles of Zambia, and now at home in the Highlands of Scotland. Before settling here, I lived on five continents. Africa got into my bones first, and it hasn't let go.
I photograph wildlife and wild landscapes. I write dark fiction. I run a marketing consultancy and a gothic-botanical bookshop. I study African languages. None of these things feel separate — they're the same curiosity, turned on different parts of the world.
The Photography
The camera came before the businesses and the books. It's the thread running through everything — the reason I'll sit in a car for three hours waiting for the light to change, or go somewhere impractical because something lives there that I want to see.
My work spans wildlife and travel: East Africa, the Scottish Highlands, wherever the lens points next. The portfolio is in the Studio — and if something stops you, prints are available in the shop.
Awards
2024 SAA Artist of the Year Awards
Shortlisted for the still life & botanical category.
Ghosts at my shoulder
Whenever I sit down to write or pick up the camera, I feel them with me. Not in a spooky way — though I quite like the idea of a few ghostly figures peering over my shoulder, curious about what I'm working on. It's more a sense of connection. A quiet presence. The feeling that I'm not creating in isolation, but continuing a thread that stretches far beyond my own lifetime.
My brother. My nephew. My parents and grandparents. The generations whose lives echo in mine. The walls of my home are filled with reminders: paintings from my grandmother and great-aunts, old photographs, portraits of my great-grandfather still holding space like quiet witnesses. Even my name carries echoes of someone before me — a namesake whose life I've pieced together in glimpses and half-told tales.
Creating is how I stay connected. It's how I listen, even when no one is speaking. And maybe, just maybe, it's how they check in on me too.
Featured
In a symphony of vibrant colors and intricate beak, the hornbill perches with regal splendor, an emblem of the rainforest's enchanting avian wonders.
(If you request a special message, I’ll be in touch for the details - keep an eye out in your emails!)
Raised amidst the lush tropical jungles of Zambia, my childhood was a wild symphony of tree-climbing escapades, mud-covered adventures, and an untamed spirit. Those formative years, with their vibrant sounds, intoxicating smells, and kaleidoscope of colours, now serve as the bedrock of my artistic expression and storytelling.
Within the first five minutes of our encounter, it becomes apparent how deeply Africa has shaped my identity; I can't help but share the profound impact it has had on my life and creativity.
Blessed with parents who nurtured a spirit of adventure, I was encouraged to push boundaries while always prioritising safety. This ethos propelled me across the globe, allowing me to experience life on five continents before finding my cherished home amid the enchanting highlands of Scotland.
Through this portfolio, I invite you into my world-a place where nature and memory meet, where each image and brush stroke conveys not only a visual but an emotional truth. This collection represents more than scenes and landscapes; it is a journey through the places and moments that have left indelible marks on my soul. From the wild expanses of Africa and Australia to the mist-laden hills of Scotland, each piece is a testament to the places I've loved and the endless beauty I see through my lens and on my canvas.
This is my first print edition, a chance to showcase what I love, and, above all, an invitation to see the world as I do.
The Work
Alongside the creative work, I run two businesses. The Emerald Agency is a marketing consultancy — helping people show up online in a way that's honest and sustainable. Ghost & Quill is something altogether different: a bookshop and miniatures venture with a crow skull logo and a seasonal soul, somewhere between a greenhouse and a midnight library.
Both are built the same way: slow, intentional, and without burning out.
Memberships & Affiliations
