Collection 4
“An ode to the immortelle tree”
About this photo series
“An ode to the Immortelle Tree” created in 2023, presented in 2024.
The Immortelle is a well revered flowering tree which is prevalent in Trinidad and Tobago. It is widely known for its natural beauty and iconic status as part of the once thriving cocoa industry where the cocoa plants will be grown under the shade of the mighty Immortelle Tree. The vivid orange blossoms light up the hillsides and valleys during the dry season and seem to mimic flames among the lush green forests especially when the sunlight illuminates the scene appropriately. This series was crafted to view this beautiful tree at its best and even when these vibrant flowers adorn the forest floor as is common around the areas where a tree is in bloom. From an intimate view of a solitary fallen blossom, a lone tree proud in the evening light to the sunlight sculpting the hillsides dotted in orange; this is an ode to the Immortelle Tree in bloom.
"Nature's tapestry" Flattering golden hour light and the addition of the blooming Immortelles dotting the Arima-Blanchisseuse, Trinidad hillsides interspersed with the lush forests created such a beautiful intricate tapestry.
"Sticks of fire" Abundant and vivid, these numerous Immortelle trees all in full array of flowers stood out from the surrounding forest from an aerial perspective via drone. The appearance and metaphor or fire on sticks or match sticks was unavoidable as the colours and light emphasized this scene.
"Emergent" Standing out from the surrounding trees an Immortelle tree seems to emerge from the shadows and bask in the evening light in this dramatic frame.
"Immersion" One of the most engaging blossoming Immortelles I have ever seen, was used to fill this frame with an immersion of blossoms which clearly were at their peak at the time of this capture. This conveyed a sense of being immersed in the tree and right in the midst of these flowers.
"Interwoven" The roots of this majestic Immortelle tree is graced with a carpet of prominent fallen flowers, seemingly newly occurred having a fresh and untampered appearance. The attraction of the repeating patterns and colour contrast made this image for me as well as the lines and shapes within the frame.
"Solitary" A calming and serene scene was observed and waiting to be captured on this day. This Immortelle tree graced the hillside along the North Coast Road, Trinidad whereby the backdrop view of the ocean in the distance and the hazy sky allowed a soft and complimentary background for this tree to stand out with distinction.
"A new journey" A lone blossom, once adorning an Immortelle tree, drops into the Marianne River below, in Blanchisseuse, Trinidad, as it rides on a journey to the ocean. The ripples and textures created by the water and the reflections created an interesting contrast against the soft petal and form of the flower.