Welcome to “Petrichor,” an evocative new series of oil paintings by Australian artist Steve Tame. This collection transports viewers to the heart of a timeless and universal sensory experience: the rejuvenating scent in the air after a thunderstorm has passed over a dry, grassy field.

The term “petrichor” was coined by Australian scientists Isabel Joy Bear and Richard Thomas in 1964. Derived from the Greek words “petra,” meaning stone, and “ichor,” referring to the ethereal fluid that flows in the veins of the gods, petrichor beautifully encapsulates the natural process by which certain compounds released by soil and plant oils are carried to the atmosphere by rain, creating that distinctive and beloved scent.

Drawing from vivid childhood memories, Steve Tame captures the breath-taking convergence of colour, texture, and light at the moment when the storm begins to retreat and calm is restored. Each painting tells a story of nature’s resilience and the ephemeral beauty found at the intersection of chaos and tranquillity. Through Steve’s masterful interplay of dramatic skies, parched earth, and the delicate interplay of light and shadow, viewers are invited to experience the poignant, almost mystical sensation of petrichor.

Embark on a journey through this compelling series and let the art awaken your own memories and emotions tied to the nourishing aftermath of a storm. “Petrichor” is not just an exhibition; it is an homage to the profound connection between humanity and the natural world, an exploration of sensory nostalgia, and a celebration of the remarkable phenomenon that is petrichor.