September 13, 2023
Unique Wildlife of the Daintree
From bioluminescent glow worms to agile tree kangaroos, learn more about the magic of the Daintree’s unique inhabitants.
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Baillie Lodges has engaged Catherine Nelson to create a series of landscape portraits that capture the magnificent Daintree Rainforest and Mossman River that surround Silky Oaks Lodge.
As works commence on a new-look Silky Oaks Lodge under Baillie Lodges’ stewardship some exciting developments are planned for the retreat’s cool interiors. James and Hayley Baillie always take a very hands-on approach to the design of the award-winning luxury lodges, and so they’re now in the process of sourcing furniture and finishes for Silky Oaks Lodge ahead if its reopening in October 2021.
Hayley first discovered Catherine’s photographic collages quite some time ago while watching an ABC documentary featuring Australian artists. Catherine’s intricate works resonated so strongly that years later when considering the interior design for Silky Oaks Lodge, Hayley set about finding the artist again, ultimately connecting with Catherine online to discuss a commission inspired by the Daintree.
To begin the significant major work, Catherine travelled to Tropical North Queensland in November last year and spent a week taking more than a thousand photographs of the cool green tropical surrounds. Then, Catherine begins the painstaking process of creating her mandalas by placing layers of digital photographs together to form a magical landscape.
Catherine was lucky to capture some beautiful photographs of the local Indigenous Kuku Yalanji children as they played in the river and along its stony banks. These evocative photographs will be seen around the Silky Oaks Lodge guest areas in the new-look lodge.
The final process is like making a jigsaw puzzle but using pieces that I create, and I only have an impression of the outcome.
Photo courtesy of Bart VerraestBaillie Lodges has commissioned 50 works from the project across five main designs, the Tropical Orb, a Daintree Orb, the Fig Tree Orb, Mountains to Sea and River Story. The large-scale images will be seen around the lodge and will also be available for sale in the boutique in the form of cards, scarves and prints.
Each image comprises hundreds of individual photos that are combined into one digital collage. ‘When I embraced the medium of photography, I felt that taking a picture that represented only what was within the frame of the lens wasn’t expressing my personal and inner experience of the world around me’, says Catherine. ‘With the eye and training of a painter and with years of experience in film visual effects behind me, I began to take my photos to another level.’
Catherine has exhibited in numerous galleries and museums and her work is held in corporate and private collections around the world. To learn more visit Catherine’s website.
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