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When I arrived in Cairns, in northeast Australia, I had no idea how much this artistic residency would transform my work. Welcomed by the Cairns Botanic Gardens, I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself for several months in the Cairns Botanic Gardens.
With its distinct seasons – a dry season and a wet season – Cairns is a lush, tropical region, worlds apart from the arid landscapes often associated with Australia!
From the moment I arrived, I was inspired by everything around me: plants with incredible shapes, flowers I had never seen before, butterflies with vibrant colors, and a variety of birds and spiders.
I spent hours wandering through the Botanic Gardens, delighting in the discovery of new species each time.
During this residency, my main goal was to create a series of botanical and naturalistic illustrations that tell stories. I wanted to highlight the interactions between the garden’s inhabitants and showcase the connections that bind them together.
This experience also introduced me to the fascinating world of macro photography! Through this discipline, I captured details invisible to the naked eye: the extraordinary eyes of jumping spiders, the tireless work of green ants… But more than that, macro photography taught me to slow down, be patient, observe, and appreciate the wonders happening just a few centimeters away.
For example, during one of my walks in the garden, I was lucky enough to spot a sunbird feeding on the nectar of a jade vine. This small, lemon-yellow bird with olive-green wings is even more striking in the males, thanks to their iridescent blue throats—a feature the females lack. As I observed more closely, I noticed dozens of ants patrolling the vine’s stems. That is when I decided to weave a story connecting all these elements together.
Creating a naturalistic or botanical piece starts with taking the time to observe. It all begins in the field, equipped with my camera and notebook: I write down colors, textures, and any interactions between species.
Back in my workspace, I translate these observations into sketches, experimenting with different compositions and angles. I also consider negative space, overall balance, and the emotions I want to convey.
Before moving on to the final illustration, I dive into thorough research to ensure every detail is scientifically accurate.
Finally, I select the medium that best fits the story I want to tell. Each piece becomes a harmony between science and art.
After imagining the scenes I wanted to depict, I dedicated many hours to the preparatory work: selecting the mediums (graphite, watercolor, ink), defining the formats and compositions… For me, all this preparation is as important as the final drawing. It lays the foundation for an illustration that tells a story and captures attention.
The white-lipped tree frogs were my most beautiful discovery in Australia: they regularly settled in my shower! Two females even made it their home for a few weeks. It was only natural for me to want to depict one of them. These frogs will undoubtedly remain one of my favorite animals encountered during my stay.
This project culminated beautifully with an exhibition of my botanical and naturalist illustrations at the Visitor Centre of the Botanic Garden. My works were on display for a month, and this experience marked my very first solo exhibition!
Below is a video glimpse of the different stages of my residency. And to explore the illustrations created for the exhibition, I invite you to check out my portfolio.
One of the greatest joys of this residency was sharing my work with the local community. I organized several botanical illustration workshops, where participants could explore drawing and watercolor techniques, all while drawing inspiration from the plants and small creatures of the Botanic Garden. These moments of exchange were enriching and, as always, deeply inspiring.
This experience gave me real confidence in my work and my style. I felt free to follow my artistic intuition, which allowed me to explore new paths, like the ink and watercolor mix I had been wanting to try for a long time.
I also discovered macro photography here. Now, my camera accompanies me wherever I go.
If you dream of an immersive artistic residency like mine, know that Cairns offers opportunities for artists. The Cairns Council provides various programs to support artistic creation in the region.
I hope this immersion has inspired you!
If you have any questions about this residency or would like to chat about illustration or macro photography, feel free to reach out.
Lastly, if you’re passing through Cairns, I highly recommend the exciting tours with Bridgette from Let’s Go Buggin. Her expertise and passion for insects will give you a unique perspective on the Cairns Botanic Garden, both day and night. Don’t hesitate to contact her for an unforgettable experience!
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