Forests and Woodlands

‘To create art we must enter a place of no-thought,
we arrive through inner stillness
where the playful child resides.’
Steve Parish

Dry sclerophyll forests, wet sclerophyll forests, wet tropical rainforest subtropical rainforest, warm-temperate rainforest, cool-temperate rainforest, cloud forests and monsoon and dry rainforest are the primary woodland and forest types found in Australia.  These are the broad categories that I have focussed on as a naturalist and a publisher for decades. 

As a photographer attempting to capture compelling images that drew attention to these ecosystems, I have long craved to set my creative soul to roam more freely.  In more recent times, through the wizardry of the digital darkroom, I can now do just that.  When viewed purely as a source of artistic design away from a more clinical natural history analysis, the aesthetic diversity of the many woodland and forest types found across Australia becomes an entirely different interpretative challenge. 

For me, creating artfully inspired images using forests and woodlands as a source has more to do with the way I feel emotionally in the moment, both at the point of capture and also during the digital creative desk-top phase. Through this latter process, I simply attempt to generate those feelings through design primarily  ‘re-adjusting’ images using colour, line and texture via enhanced digital interpretations.  This approach enables me to place emphasis where I want, much like a physical artist would with a paint brush.

Waratah Woodland

Waratah, the foral emblem of New South Wales, fills the bush with colour at Blue Mountains National Park.

Forest For The Trees

We all look, but what do we see? Taking quality time to absorb and consider the natural elements that surround me each time I am out in the wilds, is often something that I have to remind myself to do. In this case, I spent a whole day absorbed in the spectacular colours that carpeted the ranges at Mount Remarkable National Park in South Australia. The area had been dry for years. However, heavy rains had brought the entire area to life in a flush of colour and texture.

Turner’s Woodland

Coast To Coast

Throughout my life behind the lens, I have developed an eye for simple, visual beauty that I find I return to time and again to the textures and colours of tree bark of abstract beauty. On each occasion, I re-establish that historical connection adding new viewpoints, compositional styles and artistic techniques. This tree bark collage from woodlands and forests across Australia is supplied as a single image.

Life’s Litter

Woodlands across Australia produce a unique tapestry of leaf litter, providing a new ecosystem for a myriad of micro creatures. I find these ‘carpets’ irresistible works of art.

Transformation

The northern salmon gum undergoes a brilliant transformation during the dry season as its old, creamy-grey bark is shed for new, orange bark..