by Mat Churchill


An Australian artist based in Port Douglas is putting it all on the line in the name of art, conservation, and understanding as he strives to complete a project that has taken him to the largest rainforest on earth.

Rod Ramage was born in Shepparton in country Victoria, a dry and until this year, drought stricken area that couldn't be further from the rainforests he has come to love.

Mr Ramage's project, Amazon/Daintree Voice, aims to create a unique art collection to be exhibited around the world, depicting the combination of the Daintree and the Amazon region through art and science.

Mr Ramage has discovered a formula, a "code" in nature that, for the first time, he will reflect in his artwork.

"Through my art and studies of the Amazon in Brazil, I have found it has similarities to the Daintree rainforest," he said. "My vision is to unite the two countries, displaying their strengths and weaknesses.
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"I am selling my paintings and all I own to finance this project which will enable me to educate locals and people abroad to help them understand and embrace their environment, and to show the rest of the world what is so delicate about the environment in which they live."

In order to follow through on his project, Mr Ramage is looking for the help of the Port Douglas community.

"I need the community's support to enable me to return to Brazil and initiate this project which will be a unique experience that will enhance the link between Australia and Brazil," he said.

Mr Ramage is looking for a venue to paint in over a month long period to create a collection of work that he can sell to help fund his dream. "I will paint until I drop or find an investor," he said.

In an emotional side story to his Amazon/Daintree Voice work, Mr Ramage has been apart from his wife, Rose who resides in Brazil, for the last 12 months when Mr Ramage returned to Australia to raise money for the project .

"She is everything to me. I don't want to detract from the importance of this project, but deep down it hurts unbelievably and even more now as we have been apart for one year to date," he said.

If you would like to help Rod with a location in which to paint and display his art, purchase some of his work, or assist in funding his project, please contact him on 0417 002 223, email rodramageart@gmail.com, or visit his website.