Explorer Journeys: Charlie Thomas

Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ South Georgia 2023

The look on Charlie Thomas’ face as he saw a snow petrel for the first time is one that many won’t forget.

He exuded joy as he jumped up and down, screaming incoherently with friend and Trust mentor, Georgie Archibald. “This is the first time either of us have ever seen this incredible bird, so we jump and scream and laugh and cry a little. It is a moment I will treasure forever,” reflected Charlie.

Charlie was a stand-out when he applied for the Trust’s 2023 Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ to South Georgia. His passion for nature was infectious, inspiring everyone he met. He was selected to be part of the visual arts outreach team. While on the expedition he created and generously donated an original painting to be auctioned onboard. It sold for an impressive NZD $2,000.

Post expedition he has been working on a series of paintings and lino carving prints to be shared in an exhibition at the New Zealand Maritime Museum in Auckland. The museum were so impressed by the visual arts team’s works that they agreed to host an exhibition for nine months as well as pay the explorers an artist’s fee. They’ve also indicated they would like to acquire some of their works for museum’s permanent collection.

Beyond the art exhibition, Charlie has shared his experience through speaking engagements with Rotary, Bird Rescue Volunteers, and media and podcast interviews. He continues to talk about his work with the Trust through his own work as an ecologist and nature guide.
A year later, Charlie reflects on the expedition being “one of the most special experiences of a life-time.” He is so grateful to the Trust and their donors who enabled this expedition to happen. “South Georgia surprised me by challenging my view on my own life. It pushed me to do things and think in ways I hadn’t before. That is what felt like true exploration to me,” he shared.

“It pushed me to do things and think in ways I hadn’t before. That is what felt like true exploration to me.”