Saturday, November 17, 2012
Friday, November 16, 2012
Stickwork Cathedral Wows Melbourne
Australia is not without its invasive species and a large number of them are plants. Brought in to the country by European settlers, many of these species have come to threaten the local flora and fauna. One such species is the willow – a beautiful riverside tree but one which has clogged up Australian waterways for decades. Now, with the help of American artist Patrick Dougherty, Melbourne Waterways has come up with a novel approach to conservation.
Dougherty has built what can only be described as a willow cathedral in the Federation Square district of Melbourne, using only secateurs and gloves. The ten tonnes of willow reeds were harvested from the Yarra, Maribyrnong and Werribee rivers. The willows were removed and will be replaced by indigenous species of plants so that animals like the platypus can enjoy their habitat as it should be once more.
This diagram shows how the project is helping the waterways.
As well as helping to provide the people and wildlife of Melbourne with healthier waterways, this project has enabled Dougherty to create another one of his spectacular trademark works. During his decades long career he has built over 230 of these stickworks and his work can be seen all over the world. This, however, is his first foray in to the Australian art scene – and it's wonderful!
Above: Artist Patrick Dougherty with Federation Square CEO, Kate Brennan and Melbourne Water's Waterway Manager, Gavan O'Neill.
All pictures courtesy of Melbourne Water
All pictures courtesy of Melbourne Water
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Eternal Flame Falls
At the base of a waterfall deep in the forests of the state of New York an eternal flame burns. A small grotto between the layers of shale protects this everlasting fire. Although it glows brightly throughout the year it radiates light and warmth more on Midsummer's Night than on any other time on the calendar. Then, it is said that the fair folk…
No, hold on. It isn't quite like that. Although it would be great to believe that this flame is eternal and that it attracts Tinkerbell and the rest of the cohabitants of her trailer, the fact is that this is a natural phenomenon. In fact, the flame doesn't burn eternally – it occasionally needs a helping hand.
The area around the waterfall does have a different aroma to the surrounding forest. It is natural gas seeping from the layers of shale. Most dissipates in to the air but some of the gas, enclosed by the grotto, is concentrated enough to burn. It is said to be the only place in the world that through the trickle of a waterfall, a flame (sometimes two or three) up to eight inches in height can be seen.
Yet geology (and other sciences) aside, there is no denying the fairy-tale charm of the place. Eternal Flame Falls on the Shale Creek is tucked deep inside Chestnut Ridge Park and the surrounding forest is one of great beauty. It is home to some of America's rarest species of flora. Surely those who first stumbled on the waterfall with the light shining from within could have been forgiven for believing that the place was the home of the very spirit of nature?
Visitors sometimes have to give the flame a helping hand and re-ignite it. For obvious reasons, when the water flow is too strong then it will not burn – neither when it is too windy. Yet for those lucky enough to see this extraordinary natural phenomenon, this place has a magic all of its own.First Image Credit Flickr User Linden Tea
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
No Argument Here! We Definitely Agree With These Things! (35 pics)
Nutella should be eaten, never worn
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