Intricate Rainforest Sculptures of Olinda
Fri, Aug 29, 2008
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Hidden deep within a lush Australian rainforest are a set of mystical Aborigine sculptures seemingly merged into the natural surroundings. Moss covered torsos of men, women and children protrude from tree trunks and boulders. Some reach heavenward with widespread wings, others envelop each other protectively – all are symbols of the relationship the indigenous Australian Aborigines have with nature.
These mesmerizing sculptures are the work of William Ricketts, a rare Australian born in 1898 who was in awe of the connection the Aborigine people have with the land.
The clay figures, which Ricketts created on site in his home on Mount Dandenong, near Olinda, express his devout philosophy that all people need to act as custodians of the natural environment just as the Aboriginal people do.
Ricketts gained his deep understanding of Aboriginal culture during frequent trips to Central Australia, where he lived with the Pitjantjatjara and Arrernte people from 1949 -1960. They soon adopted him as one of their own and willingly posed for the sculptures that would become their legacy.
William Ricketts died in 1993 at the ripe old age of 94 but he will always be remembered as his figure, too, is dotted around the tranquil fern gully, forever connected to both the family and the land he so loved.
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1 Trackbacks For This Post
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links for 2009-06-04 | Nerdcore Says:
June 5th, 2009 at 7:13 am[...] Intricate Rainforest Sculptures of Olinda (tags: sculptures travel australien) [...]
August 29th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Wow. Gorgeous in several ways.
August 30th, 2008 at 4:53 am
Very cool and inspiring. I love it.
December 17th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Absolutely amazing
January 30th, 2009 at 4:14 am
i think this is cool. too bad no one can find it on google, since they sold out to corporate proprietary browsing
January 30th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Hey pigshitpoet, not sure what you mean about not being able to find it on google. Here’s a link for you: http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=216
And if you click on the sources at the end of the article there are a few more. Rem to search for William Ricketts Sanctuary.
It really is as amazing as it looks. One of my favourite peaceful places in the world.
May 11th, 2009 at 3:03 am
very exotic
June 9th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
Really nice sculptures.
June 11th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Burnt during recent bushfires.
July 28th, 2009 at 4:35 am
very nice sculptures… i didnt even know it was here in aus.. have to check it out one day
September 11th, 2009 at 11:27 am
Really nice posting and such an inspiring thing to see.Looks great.
December 21st, 2009 at 10:26 pm
These are truly beautiful!!!