Creative shot of Bunya Forest, Imbil State Forest, Queensland

Ian Stehbens, on May 19, 2007, said:

It was the evening after we had buried my Dad, and as the day drew to a close I decided to take my camera for a drive. Accompanied by my creative nephew, I drove out into the forestry to meditate and to recharge my spirit. This forest has been part of my identity and many hours have been spent in association with it, for my Dad was a sawmill manager. There are two principal species grown in these plantations: Hoop Pine (Araucaria cunninghamii) and Bunya Pine (Araucaria bidwillii). Both are native to this area. Imbil State Forest was the first plantation forestry in Queensland and it was these species that were the reason for the establishment of the plantations. Both are excellent softwoods and today supply the mills of Imbil, Melawondi and Gympie. We stopped at several places sometimes using natural light and at other times using the headlights of the car for light. This shot taken on Western Creek Road was taken with maximum aperture, hand held and dependent on wan light of the night sky. Swinging the camera worked. At the time stars were shining in the early night sky.

tomikoceski, on November 16, 2007, said:

Creative? Better say taken by mistake, huh?

Ian Stehbens, on November 16, 2007, said:

Thankyou for your visit and query, Tomikoceski. It was one of a number of experimental images taken that evening, sir. Intentional wide aperture f4.5 with flash turned off and swinging the camera was used for this shot and others. Some were taken rotating the camera vertically to record the narrow passage of sky between the rows of plantation pine. It was a special evening, as I returned to the plantations through which I drove, rode or walk with my father as a child. What I was actually simulating when this shot was taken was the sense of movement of the trees passing the window of the car. The first car my dad owned was a panelvan, and often I would travel in it lying down at night, and clear are the memories of watching the moon constant in my view and the trees flowing by. This was the stimulation for my creativity. (At this time I was enjoying the new camera, and trying things like this that I couldn't do with the old SLR film camera.) I appreciate your query and visit.

Amelia Royan, on June 1, said:

This was a wonderful thing to do on that sad day Ian. And the image, with its memories, is so evocative as well as being creative. Walking the paths of childhood is healing. I love the description of your impressions as seen from the moving car. I remember train journeys, watching the telegraph wires looping so continuously up and down to the rhythm of the train on the tracks :)

Greetings my friend, Amelia

Ian Stehbens, on June 1, said:

Dear Amelia,

Your thoughtfulness, sensitivity and creativity are all beautifully revealed in your empathetic comment. "Memories", I said at the conclusion of the eulogy at Dad's funeral, "are powerful, but hope is stronger."

Appreciatively, Ian

Oh, and by the way, I was back at this very spot a couple of weeks ago to watch an international car rally event tearing through these beloved forests of mine. That was exciting. I must upload some images of that event.

Toto Franchi, on September 2, said:

For the majesty of Araucarias, for the stories you told us, for the memory of his father and for Australia (the land so far away yet so similar to ours)....I chose this photo of his series of Araucarias and I put you among my favorite artists!!! Thank you very much Ian for sharing your wonderful gallery with us!!!

Friendly greetings from Patagonia Aregntina, Toto

Ian Stehbens, on September 2, said:

Dear Toto,

I deeply appreciate your empathy and your appreciation. It really is an honour to be included, through this particular image, in your favourites gallery. That we speak the same language, Araucaria language that is, is special.

Currently I am part way from Australia to Tonga, working here till November, but it is a lot warmer here at the moment than in Patagonia.

My warmest regards,

Ian