Sunrise on Wilpena Pound and Cazneaux Tree
by Lexa Harpell
Title
Sunrise on Wilpena Pound and Cazneaux Tree
Artist
Lexa Harpell
Medium
Photograph - Photographs
Description
Sunrise on Wilpena Pound and Cazneaux Tree by Lexa Harpell.
Australian bushfires may have burnt and hollowed its trunk, it may not receive much water, it has no shade in the fierce sun of the Outback, yet it has endured for an estimated 600 years, alone on the plains in the Flinders Ranges.
In 1937, Australian photographer Harold Cazneaux, captured this tree's essence and called it 'The Spirit of Endurance' and bought him international recognition for his photography works.
**This magnificent giant river red gum tree has grown to a height of 29 meters on flat, arid grasslands, in the Flinders Ranges and estimated to be about 600 years old. Giant river gums can grow from 500-1,000 years.
Cazneaux thought about the struggle, endurance and probability such a tree would survive in these conditions.
Fascinated with the Australian landscape, colours and light, Cazneaux wrote the following about this particular tree.
******************
"This giant gum tree stands in solitary grandeur on a lonely plateau in the arid Flinders Ranges, South Australia, where it has grown up from a sapling through the years, and long before the shade from its giant limbs ever gave shelter from heat to white men. The passing of the years has left it scarred and marked by the elements - storm, fire, water, - unconquered, it speaks to us from a Spirit of Endurance. Although aged, its widespread limbs speak of a vitality that will carry on for many more years. One day, when the sun shone hot and strong, I stood before this giant in silent wonder and admiration. The hot wind stirred its leafy boughs, and some of the living elements of this tree passed to me in understanding and friendliness expressing The Spirit of Australia."
Those words stirred and resonated with many who travelled and witnessed this unique country.
To the extent that every QANTAS plane in its fleet to this day has the words:
'Spirit of Australia QANTAS' boldly and proudly displayed on their side.
Botanical name: Eucalyptus camaldulensis
Uploaded
December 29th, 2021
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