Sometimes when visiting and exploring a new area I come across the unexpected. A discovery that leaves me feeling overwhelmed with the beauty and harmony of nature and man’s creation.
So it was 2 weekends ago.
The weather was perfect, crisp, invigorating winter days, excellent to spend 2 days following the art trail around the Samford area, approximately 150 kilometres north of home. 32 artists displaying their art, some with their studios open, some in mass displays in the church hall and local art gallery. I revelled in being immersed in the creative atmosphere from all these enthusiastic people. (more of these later).
But the moment and place that will be etched in my memory is on the second day, the last place we visited was found at the end of a windy, narrow track, along a rutted road. The rain forest embraced us as we reached the end of the track and entered the Phoenix Sculpture Garden.
The weather had changed, unlike yesterday it was cold and bleak. A sharp breeze brought the temperature down and the sky was covered in grey clouds.
But the cold was forgotten when I entered the 2 hectare rainforest Garden located on the peak of Mt. Glorious, 632 metres above sea level with magnificent views across the escarpment. More than 100 marble and bronze sculptures, the life time work of Graham Radcliff, are on display in this peaceful setting.
Graham is softly spoken, small in stature but at 82 years old he is a creative genius having devoted his life to fulfilling his vision of combining the beauty of nature and his life’s work of sculptures and paintings.
We spent over 2 hours admiring the sculptures, touching and stroking them, looking at them from all angles.
They were sensual and the marble seemed to take on a life.
Walking slowly through the towering rain forest trees. The smooth grey bark of the gums are the magnificent sculptures of nature.
Graham calls this “the green cathedral” and the seats invite you to stay awhile and meditate on the beauty surrounding you.
While the dove of peace watches over this space.
Dotted around on trees and attached to the sculptures were many sayings, quotes and philosophical thoughts, each one to be read and thought about.
I took hundreds of photos so I will finish with a gallery of just some more of these amazing sculptures.
We drove away from this small part of the Australian rain forest that has been transformed into a harmonious retreat where one man, with skill, dedication and hard work, has achieved his dream and is sharing what he has created.
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Ailsa has asked us to think about Harmony this week. Sadly the world at large is far from harmonious, but I found a small haven of peace and harmony to share with you. I hope you enjoyed the virtual visit as much as I cherished the time spent here.
Love that ‘cradled’ child! Such a beautiful image among so many, Pauline. Yet another explosion of anger in our world yesterday. We so need these places of peace. Hugs, sweetheart 🙂
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What an amazing man! This is wonderful 😀
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They hold retreats there too,would love to go to one
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Wow!
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Beautiful art P- and peace in the heart sounds really nice – also above sea level like that – oh nice ❤️
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It had a real aura of peace, I would love to go to one of his retreats
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What a wonderful place. I love the contrast between the sculptures and their natural surroundings. It looks like it would be peaceful and inspiring. Your photos really are great! Best, Susan
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Thanks Susan. Graham occasionally runs retreats in this amazing place. I hope to go to one some day, when the weather warms up
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A great post for Harmony! I loved all the sculptures and also the photo of the gum tree which blended so beautifully into the scene.
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It was a small area of paradise
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What a lovely post. This may sound odd, I know, and perhaps I’m just a plant person at heart, but I found myself distracted from the sculpture and focusing on the amazing plants. Sort of a, “lovely curves on that piece,” but “look at that staghorn fern.” I’m hopeless.
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I agree with you Brenda, I took as many photos of the trees and plants as of the sculptures.
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To be able to touch sculptures is wonderful. Thanks for sharing a bit of this peace and beauty.
janet
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Oh Pauline thank you, I really love sculpture and these have a magical, meditative quality to them. What a talented man and such a beautiful place to visit.
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As the weather gets warmer I am hoping to go to an artists retreat I think it would be good for the soul.
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Oh my… What a beautiful tranquil feel this wonderful garden has.. And how talented its Graham with all of those amazing sculptures. They were indeed special. Thank you Pauline for sharing them with us.. I can see why the Cold of the day was soon forgotten as these statues were enough to warm any ones hearts..
Love and Blessings Sue ❤
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Such a fabulous dose of peace and harmony. Pauline. I really enjoyed my wander with you. Graham is a creative genius and a real visionary. What a beautiful place! 🙂
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At 82 he is still producing works of beauty.
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Amazing! 👍
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Sure is…
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What a gorgeous sculpture garden. All of the sculptures are peaceful, graceful, and harmonious, as are the sculptor’s words of wisdom. Thanks for sharing this, Pauline. I loved coming along. 🙂
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Good to have you along Cathy. It was one of those places that leave a lasting memory.
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Your beautiful photos have surely captured the magic of this place. So wonderful. Thank you for sharing.
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Pleased you enjoyed the visit.
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I am so glad you had this wonderful opportunity to see this garden of peace and harmony, and I appreciate your sharing it with us. We don’t get a large dose of it any more. 🙂
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The world needs all the beauty of nature and man’s artistic creations, it is a healing harmony for the soul
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Oh thanks for sharing this, Pauline. What a delightful place with wonderful sculptures.
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I’m looking forward to going for another visit when the weather warms up
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A wonderful find….dunno where the AA came from…..
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Hummmm, computer playing tricks…
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😀😀
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Definitely harmonious, Pauline – no discordance here. What AA wonderful find
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Very peaceful
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What an absolutely beautiful post. This garden and the Green Cathedral reminds me of one around the Great Lakes District. Spectacular photos and a truly inspiring place. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you Miriam. It was a very special place
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