Gymea Lily by Neil Wilson

Gymea Lily (Doryanthes excelsa) was chosen as a signature plant prior to the 2000 Sydney Olympics.  It’s endemic to coastal areas of New South Wales, particularly near Sydney, and was planted throughout such that they would be in flower for the games.  I was fortunate enough to be a participant in the opening ceremony and the Gymea Lily has proven to be a long-term inspiration.

My process involves photography, digital manipulation and layering but composition is always the starting point.  The present image is made up of two separate photographs – a domestic garden, and a particularly striking lily from the Botanic Gardens.

All of my work, with a few exceptions, derives from the natural environment.  It is my hope that I give a degree of aesthetic satisfaction most of all, and perhaps a doorway to contemplation of our environment.