Wilsons Creek Rainforest
Series 1
Hand-crafted gum bichromate prints
Gum Bichromate printing is a 19th-century photographic printing process done by layering watercolour pigments that are prepared in a light sensitive emulsion and then applied in multiple layers using single colour split negatives. Gum prints are capable of rendering painterly images from photographic negatives. The process is labour intensive and every individual image created is unique.
These images were made in the artist's garden, in Wilsons Creek in the Byron Hinterland, in Northern NSW, Australia. The garden contains over 250 unique sub tropical plants and trees from all over the world. The area is subtropical with relatively high average annual rainfall exceeding 1500mm per year.
Wilsons Creek rainforest, located throughout Big Scrub areas of the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Australia, is considered a unique and protected habitat for several reasons:
Biodiversity: The rainforest is renowned for its high levels of biodiversity. It is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including many rare and endangered ones. The lush vegetation, combined with a subtropical climate, provides an ideal habitat for numerous flora and fauna;
Ancient Rainforest: Wilsons Creek rainforest is part of the larger Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These rainforests are considered living relics of the ancient Gondwana supercontinent and provide valuable insights into the evolution and ecological history of our planet;
Ecosystem Services: The rainforest plays a crucial role in providing ecosystem services. It helps regulate the local climate by maintaining moisture levels and influencing rainfall patterns. The dense vegetation also helps reduce soil erosion, supports water quality, and contributes to carbon sequestration, helping mitigate the effects of climate change;
Cultural Importance: The rainforest has cultural significance for the Indigenous peoples of the region, particularly the Bundjalung Nation. It has been an integral part of their heritage, providing food, medicinal plants, and spiritual connection to the land;
The protection and preservation of Wilsons Creek rainforest are of utmost importance. Local conservation organisations, landowners, and government agencies work together to manage and safeguard this unique ecosystem, ensuring its long-term sustainability.
