ART AND NATURE: CONFLICT AND HARMONY IN THE LANDSCAPE

Xavier Perrot creates exquisite places for dreaming, whimsical gardens and outdoor installations … believing “It’s not about nature, but about alternate worlds.” 

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Phillip Johnson, who lives and works in the spectacular natural beauty of Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges, remains enthralled ...”with the power and joy that nature brings.”

A common thread emerging from the 2015 ALC presentations is a global awareness of the potential for gardens to weave life, hope and tolerance into the social fabric of communities. 

Diana Wiesner, from Colombia, and Viesturs Cielens, an enigmatic South Australian, will share their stories of connecting people through gardens – the former through a life dedicated to drawing disciplines and communities together, focusing on core social values.

Diana says “public areas have potential inspiration for education, cultural events, environmental and ecological enhancement, sustainability, aesthetic impact, quality landscape construction, recreation, stimulus … and joy!” 

On a smaller scale, Viesturs Cielens will share the fascinating story of eleven early Australian women and their gardens, portraying a special partnership between the human spirit and nature.

There is clearly something for everyone at this year’s conference and it is genuinely exciting that an opportunity to delve into the brilliant minds of those shaping the future of landscape design exists here on home shores. 

Regardless of how far you lean towards art or nature, the 2015 line up of inspirational speakers is sure to ignite passions, challenge views and encourage all to engage deeply with the past and future of landscape design.

Australian Landscape Conference

Melbourne Convention Centre
September 18 – 22, 2015
Contact: Warwick Forge – 03 9804 8915 or 0438 182 801
Email: warwick@bloomings.com.au 

 www.landscapeconference.com

Images (top to bottom): Jason Basson, Southern France; Xavier Perrot, Bai Yun; Design by Phillip Johnson; community garden plots for Bogota, Colombia by Diana Wiesner; Waite Campus Gardens near Adelaide by Viesturs Cielens.