Bec ANDERSEN North Tamborine, Qld Firewheel hand-tufted, natural dyes, wool $825

Someone had the foresight to plant this glorious flowering native tree in my garden over 10 years ago. Each summer when the tree explodes into its distinct scarlet orange firewheel flowers right in front of my studio I pay homage to this unknown person, and also to this wonderful species. Planting a tree is part of your personal legacy, one that you can revisit at a later date. Stenocarpus sinuatus Common Name: Firewheel tree Family: Proteaceae Distribution: Rainforests of north-eastern New South Wales and eastern Queensland. Derivation of Name: Stenocarpus: From Greek stenos, narrow and carpos, a fruit, a reference to the characteristics of the seed capsules. sinuatus: From Latin sinuatus, wavy, a reference to the margins of the leaves Conservation Status: Not considered to be at risk in the wild. YET! Unlike our Koalas!

Janet BARRETT Murwillumbah Barn Owl study soft pastel $880

There are 5 species of owls with facial discs (or masks) in Australia. This is an adaptation to make their hearing more acute. The Barn Owl, when in flight, appears ghostly white and screeches rather than hoots. They need tree hollows to shelter and nest. Installation of artificial nest-boxes in trees within agricultural areas (especially in cane fields) in some parts of Australia has increased Barn Owl numbers with the resultant reduction in pests such as rats. In the meantime, consider sparing that big gum tree in the backyard, it may be sheltering Natures most calculating self-setting rat-trap.

Lyndall BENSLEY Bogangar Wobbegong clay & glaze stoneware $850 The wobbegong shark is commonly referred to as the carpet shark due to its distinct carpet like patterns. Generally harmless, it lies still on the ocean floor camouflaged while its tasselled mouth moves like seaweed awaiting its unsuspecting prey. If disturbed it will clamp down on a victim causing severe lacerations without letting go. Grabbing its tail will also result in the same fate as the wobbegong is one of only a few sharks that can turn around and bite its own tail. Local fisherman sell their wobbegong catch to the local fish and chip shops to be sold as flake and their skin used in leather products. This beautiful shark is close to qualifying for a threatened category in the near future and is currently near threatened.

Vivienne BOWEN Clothiers Creek Feathertails pastel $900

Stick to the paths, tread lightly over God’s green earth. Quietly, in secret places, life stirs - under rocks, in logs, on branches. Fragile and beautiful, the tiny ones leave no sign to warn us away. Only the watchful, the patient, expectant and careful are able to see. Did you ever see a feathertail – floating like a falling leaf from tree to tree, or climbing on suction-cap feet, or hanging with a brother in the moonlight, a unique masterpiece of nature’s design – free and wonderful, a tiny living jewel, an irreplaceable treasure? Did you capture such a moment? Those who see, care. Those who understand, protect. For those who value life and beauty, what an inheritance we have!

Peta BOYCE

Mooloolan Valley, Qld

Secret babbler business –Grey Crowned Babblers gouache $2,800

Sadly the populations of these energetic and entertaining birds are declining throughout their range. Current land clearing practices and the invasion of weeds are both contributing factors to the decline in numbers of the birds due to their reluctance to move across large open areas. Consequently populations are becoming more and more isolated. Sadly, in Victoria and South Australia Grey Crowned Babblers are listed as endangered and in some areas of South Australia they are locally extinct. I spent quite some time with this group, being thoroughly amused by their antics. Some of the birds were molting and looked quite untidy, adding to their raffish appeal. When composing the painting I arranged the birds in a social group ‘babbling’ away to each other as they discussed their ‘Secret Babbler Business’.

Jan BRACHER Tyalgum Creek Hoops in the mist Soft pastel $890 The Hoop Pines can be seen on the edge of a precipitous slope. Also represented are the multiple other plant species of the area. The Hoop Pine, Araucaria cunninghamii is a large native coniferous tree. It has an important role in the ecosystem in which it is found and is known to be an excellent host for native flora and fauna. Logging for use in the building industry has depleted most natural stands, however, the species continues to thrive in protected areas in New South Wales and Queensland, including the Border Ranges National Park. As I sit on my patio at home I look up into the Border Ranges National Park and see these Hoop Pines and I hope that we humans can balance their use in the building industry with supporting their continuation in the natural environment.

Mark James BROMBAL Uki Fingal Causeway photography $390 A place of natural beauty, Fingal Head is composed of Basalt that has cooled within a relatively deep Basalt lava flow, a remnant of the 20 million year old Mount Warning shield volcano. As the lava cooled, a process known as contraction has taken place, cracking and splitting the rock into vertical columns. This photograph is a reflection of the mood and feeling of the day that was heightened by the extremely calm and surreal atmosphere. What amazes me is the fact that this 20 million year old process is one of the many wonders of our region. “In the silence of this day, the songs of Earth’s changes were at play” Nancy Valentine Smith

Marika BRYANT Federal

We're dealing with complex issues mixed media $550 Slicing through the mountain top

Cutting in to grow a crop Working hard - we never stop Looking to our future I used to come here years ago Just to watch the river flow Plant a tree and watch it grow Right along the river Now I’m reading scary things Fire holes and big gas rings Koalas losing their habitat - hey What’s with all of that? Tell me again so I will know How you stop a river’s flow Economy that has to grow When all the world is shrinking? Biodiversity - hey, what’s that? Something they keep under their hat? Another polly growing fat? Whilst endangered species pass the hat? And media coverage says “this and that” With no reply from heartfelt sources Keep on changing the expert forces Protestors keep lighting torches And all the while no water courses.

Jennifer COLLINS Ballina A beetle on the brink altered book $250 Nurus atlas –(A Beetle) is a large black ground dwelling beetle found in heavily timbered areas east of the Great Dividing Range. Prior to clearing of the Big Scrub the beetle had extensive range in this region. Nurus atlas is merely one of the millions of exotic species captured, killed and mounted in the Cabinets of Curiosities’ of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. A beetle was thought to be extinct until 1973 when it was found in Victoria Park Nature Reserve, highlighting the importance of maintaining these small remnants of rainforest. The survival of this species is threatened by clearing rainforest, removal of fallen timber and collecting activities. Nurus atlas numbers are reduced to such a critical level that they are in immediate danger of extinction.

Mark DAVIS Ballina Cloud catching at the Pinnacle infra-red digital print on metallic paper $600 The view from the Pinnacle highlights the eroded caldera created from the Wollumbin (Mt Warning) shield volcano. It is carved in the geological formations, that around 20 million years ago, nature erupted and started creating this magnificent natural sculpture. As the surrounding area cooled, clouds kissed the earth to share their liquid gold to create a myriad of streams and rivers. Over time the streams and wind have carved their path through the caldera. Visit the pinnacle today and you may be lucky enough to see the clouds kissing the rim of the caldera as the wind blows them threw you in a magical show of light and shade.

Andrea DEELEY Banora Point Web of desire digital print $250

Within the scope of the word bio-diversity, our smallest and often busiest industrious creatures cannot be neglected or forgotten, however tiny and insignificant they may seem. The micro-inhabitants on the forest floor display their importance within ecosystems engaging us in the beauty and complexity of their industrial pursuits almost as a reflection of the frenetic chaos found within the turbulent lives of contemporary human society. These intricate spider web systems stand as a challenge to both art and science as beauty and resilience unite, to bring us amazing insights into the intricate world of fractals within the dewy matrix. My art aims to inform and promote awareness of the significance of the micro world, so often un-noticed, neglected and marginalized as we carry on with our encroaching urban expansion.

Lesley DOHERTY Bray Park Spoonbills in flight pastel $550 The Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia), also known as the Black-billed Spoonbill, is a large, white bird with a black spoon shaped bill. It is a wading bird with long legs for walking through water.

The Royal Spoonbill is found throughout eastern and northern mainland Australia. Its habitat is freshwater and saltwater wetlands, intertidal mud flats and wet grasslands, feeding mainly on fish, shrimp and insects. In flight the spoonbill tend to fly in tight formation, like a well-disciplined air force squadron. The Royal Spoonbill is evaluated as 'least concern' on the list of threatened species.

Lyn ELLISON Maudsland, Qld Blink and you will miss me! oil $1400 The platypus is probably the most uniquely Australian mammal, however, outside of zoos, few people are privileged to see this monotreme at close quarters. Though it is still common in much of its present range in eastern Australia from the high Australian Alps to lowland tropical rainforest, the platypus must be regarded as vulnerable. It only occurs in suitable bodies of fresh water and these are under increasing demand for usage for dams and irrigation. I am so lucky to have platypus in my river and to regularly see them all through the winter. It is a wonderful surprise each time I see a platypus swimming quickly across the surface, leaving his tell-tale bow wave and duck diving out of sight when he’s had enough of being watched. How could I resist painting him?

Karen FENDLEY Mullumbimby Tallow Beach banksia mixed media $650 From a series of artworks painted in response to signs erosion on a few of my favourite beaches along the north coast of NSW. On some beaches the high tides had washed away the dunes leaving trees precariously balanced with their roots exposed. I find these trees that are clinging to life on unstable ground very moving, and painted a series of artworks as a tribute to them.

Rikki FISHER Nimbin Eye of the curlew graphite and charcoal NFS

The Bush Stone-curlew is a large, ground-dwelling bird of extraordinary grace and beauty. I was attracted to its large round eyes and motionless posture. The curlew is mainly nocturnal and hunts small grassland Invertebrates. During the day, the curlew tends to remain inactive, sheltering amongst tall grass or low shrubs and relying on their plumage to protect them from their natural predator: raptors. Despite their ungainly appearance and habit of freezing motionless, they are sure-footed, fast and agile on the ground. The Curlew is listed as Endangered (Schedule 1) on the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 due to its dramatic decline from introduced predators such as foxes, dogs and cats and the conversion of much of the species’ habitat to agricultural pastures or urban landscapes.

Therese FLYNN-CLARKE Bannockburn, Qld A lek of butterflies plant materials, found objects $700

Not many butterflies in Australia congregate in large numbers as happens in other parts of the world. There is, however, some complex behaviour called Hill-topping that facilities the meeting of the sexes in the butterfly world. The butterflies gather in a high locality such as on a hill or ridge (this is known to occur on Mt. Warning). Hill-topping butterflies are almost entirely males and patrol or perch on the hill-top – facilitating the meeting of females ,thus ensuring the reproductive cycle of the species. Therefore it is vital to not disturb the vegetation and habitats unique to the Caldera in order to maintain the survival and biodiversity of the butterfly species.

Jill GARSDEN Goonellabah King tide, sunrise acrylic on canvas $1600

Flat Rock, north of Ballina, is a coastal rock platform derived from the Lismore Basalts discharged by the Mt Warning shield volcano some 22 million years ago. Its rock pools are home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna, and many seabirds and shorebirds can be seen there. This painting is the product of a visit there one sunrise, which coincided with a king tide that submerged most of Flat Rock. Dozens of birds fled the margins of the rock that they commonly inhabit in favour of higher beach sand. Amongst them I saw Pied Oystercatchers (Haematopus longirostis), a Sooty Oystercatcher (Haematopus fuliginosus), Ruddy Turnstones (Arenaria interpres), Curlew Sandpipers (Calidris ferruginea) and tiny Red-necked Stints (Calidris ruficollis), as well as different terns (Sterna bergii, Sterna hirundo and Sterna albifrons).

Elsbeth GARTLY-STRASSMANN Murwillumbah Striated Pardalote pastel $390

This tiny bird with strong legs and short tail is uniquely Australian. Its crown can be black or striped (striated) with red, yellow or orange wing spots. They allow humans to approach quite closely while they go about their feeding amongst eucalypts and pick up insects with their blunt beaks from leaves. Their nesting habits are in holes, earth banks or tree hollows. Walking through unspoilt bush land or along the edge of forest areas, it is quite possible to observe these quick moving birds collecting small sticks for their nests. Habitat destruction and human encroachment continues unabated. Could it be possible that diminishing numbers are due to pillage of eggs in accessible nests by the “dreaded cane toad”?

Kim GODFREY Tweed Heads

I see red watercolour, ink $600

The images and text of this unique concertina artist book playfully highlight the danger of not looking where we are going in terms of the impact of climate change………”what I can’t see”………(won’t hurt me). The images celebrate the beauty and reflect the tragedy of the natural world in its intersection with our constructed world. It is a critique of humanity’s acts on nature. The colour red symbolizes danger and expresses the emotions of anger at losing our oxygen producing trees, hence “ I See Red”. These simple juxtaposition of words put into question ideas about the destructive forces of the natural environment by humanity before it is too late and we see the last “setting sun”.

Barbara GOODRICH Tyalgum Bragging rights - Mt Warning from Crystal Creek pen on paper $380 It still delights me that I can take a simple piece of white paper, add a bit of black pen in dots, lines & squiggles and create a 3D world based on shadow & light. I have been moved by the dot art & culture of indigenous Aborigines, the photography of Ansel Adams, the works of American illustrator, Norman Rockwell, and the wonderful paintings by Margaret Ollie. Living in the Tyalgum area now for over 16 years, I felt a need to encapsulate the village and local Tweed icons in timeless black & white illustrations creating an archival vision for future generations and the Caldera Art Prize is a

great way to share that vision.

Janet HAUSER

Laravale, Qld

Calanthe by night watercolour $750

Many orchids, through evolution, have developed mechanisms, strategies and relationships to encourage/facilitate cross-pollination. This painting depicts a relationship between the Christmas Orchid (Calanthe triplicata) and two of its probable pollinators. In this case the labellum, a floral feature, has evolved as a prominent platform enabling an insect to land and feed on the orchid flower thus facilitating pollination. The pollinator is almost certainly a moth, but which species is still a mystery to science. Both the Joseph’s Coat Moth (Agarista agricola) and Vine Hawk Moth (Hippotion celerio) are likely culprits. They occur in the same moist shady forests of the Caldera region as the Christmas Orchid. The Slender Grape (Cayratia clematidea), host food plant for both their larvae, also grows in this same habitat.

Sandra HEUSTON Rosebank Rainforest carpet gliclee print $620 The life of a rainforest begins on the forest floor. The soil is shallow with most nutrients close to the surface. Leaf litter and dead trees are quickly consumed and broken down by fungi, insects, and other decomposers. The decomposition of the nutrients is immediately taken up by the biomass of the forest. Because the nutrients are close to the surface, roots don't grow down very far, and trees have adapted by growing large buttressed roots. Through my photography I want to communicate a sense of the processes at play in our environment. I believe this is not only important in eliciting an aesthetic appreciation of nature, but in sounding an ecological warning of the demise of the world’s rainforests.

Joanna HIETZKE Boonah, Qld A glimpse of nature’s tapestry pen, pyrography, watercolour $250

Sometimes the immensity of the rainforest is so overwhelming that one may feel almost compelled to focus on just one small area to get a sense of scale. In this area, which could measure no more than a couple of metres, an entire universe of remarkable diversity is seen; a thumbnail sketch of the bigger picture, a few threads in a rich and varied tapestry. I made this work in the manner of sewing and weaving and twisting threads together to form a picture of one such small space.

Kirsten INGEMAR Brunswick Heads Windfall 1 Plant dyed silk $600

My work with textiles is directly linked to a search for beauty in the every day and openings to deeper connection. This has been greatly helped and supported by the natural environment in which I live. I love the process of plant dying; from gathering the leaves, to firing the dye pots. From rolling and folding to unwrapping and revealing the unique quality of each piece. I see my work as setting the scene for a mystery to unfold. In a sense inviting the essence of the leaves and their story out and onto the cloth. Transformed in the alchemy of the dye pots, each piece is a gift from Nature. These pieces are made with plants gathered on my walk around the Brunswick River.