Story by Gemma Pitcher
Have you ever walked along one of Australia's beaches and been appalled by the washed-up detritus of brightly coloured plastic that mars the beauty of the coastline? Artist John Dahlsen was too, until the day he thought of picking up some of these curiously twisted plastic forms and taking them home to his studio. Used disposable lighters, bottle tops, plastic bags, combs, syringes, sytrofoam; all of this and more he collected into plastic bags and colour-coded, until the colours and forms of this so-called litter took on a strange beauty and meaning of their own.
Today, John is one of Australia's foremost environmental artists, and his dynamic sculptures and beautiful 'assemblages', all made entirely from found materials painstakingly gathered from Australia's beaches, have won numerous awards and exhibited nationally and internationally. His artworks even decorate the walls of this year's 'thinking man's Big Brother' house!
These days, John and his wife Rago, an alternative therapist, call Byron Bay home. John says it was the spectacular natural environment and the creative, energetic spirit of the people in Byron that attracted him here after 25 years spent in big cities such as Melbourne, New York, Amsterdam and London.
"It's a great place to be based when you travel a lot as we do," he says, "What
I like most about Byron is that although it's been discovered
by many more people these days, in spirit it's still just a small
country town."
This may be so, but Byron certainly has an atmosphere that sets it apart from other small Aussie towns and has made it a Mecca for hippies, creative artists, environmentalists, surfers, and anyone in search of a refuge from the stresses and strains of big city life. The glorious beaches, sunshine, surf and cultural events such as the East Coast Blues Festival and Byron Writer's Festival continue to draw more and more people every year, but the town is still very far from being spoilt. On the contrary, as John says, the tourists and high-profile international visitors have brought a cosmopolitan atmosphere, together with a fantastic choice of restaurants and accommodation options.
John's own house, Cape Heritage, is a testament to the creative vision of the artist and the love and care that he and his wife have put into the property. Situated among glorious rolling green fields and woods just four minutes drive from Byron, Cape Heritage is a stunning property originally built by a hippy-made-good and taken over by John and Rago about 10 years ago. Inside, soft creams, terracotta floor tiles and wooden ceiling beams create the ideal showcase for John's environmental artworks, which adorn the walls and nestle among the ferns and palms of the garden. The front of the house boasts a gorgeous Victorian-style conservatory, complete with a dining table and chairs fashioned out of weathered, pale-coloured driftwood. Just to walk in here makes one feel like slipping into something made of white linen and drifting around barefoot. Upstairs bedrooms share a wide veranda open to the expanse of blue sky and farmlands, a world away from the hustle and bustle of Byron in high season.
Next door to the house, which sleeps eight, Rago
runs an idyllic day spa, also decorated with John's artworks
in shades of white and purple. The house and day spa are both
surrounded by lush jungle garden, where lizards swish through
the undergrowth and brightly-coloured lorikeets whir from tree
to tree. I opted for a relaxing Swedish massage followed by a
facial, both of which used 100 percent natural and organic products
grown in Byron. Afterwards, it's time for a leisurely afternoon
on the wooden deck by the pool, with its glorious views over
the lush green hills that surround the property. It's easy to
let one's thoughts drift towards giving up the stresses and strains
of the big city and swapping the daily commute for a life spent
padding barefoot between the beach and the café, pausing occasionally to compose the latest chapter of a bestselling novel or strum out a new hit on the guitar — but
isn't daydreaming what Bryon's all about?
As see on: Travel
Australia MSN Publication
To rent Cape Heritage or book a treatment in the day spa, visit www.capeheritage.com.au or www.johndahlsen.com. For bookings at the day spa, go to www.byron-bay-health-retreat.com.au
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Cape Heritage Byron Bay:
The property is Cape Heritage at Byron Bay, a four bedroom house set on two acres 2.5km from the town centre and owned and operated by environmental artist and Wynne Prize winner John Dahlsen, whose work in 2007 hung in the Big Brother environmentally friendly ‘Green’ house at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast.
The Cape Heritage house
is different. It’s very private and spacious with a Northern European feel, decorated with many of Dahlsen’s
works and set in lush grasslands screened by forest.
It’s an exclusive, comprehensively equipped and furnished
self - catering retreat with a swimming pool surrounded by
a large deck with views over the adjacent farmlands.
Cape Heritage offers
a different take on the usual Byron scene. It is not a B&B
but let on a per week basis for $1,750 off peak ranging up to
$7,500 per week over New Years and Easter, which coincides with
the Byron Bay Blues Festival.
The unique design, eclectic
décor, location and ambience of the property set it apart.
A lot of the furniture, for example, including beds and dining
tables, has been made by Dahlsen using driftwood he has collected
on beaches from Victoria to Northern NSW.
I can safely say there is nothing else like it in the district.
The website is www.capeheritage.com.au while
Dahlsen’s work can be viewed at www.johndahlsen.com
Donna Parkin / Director / Parkin P.R. & Marketing
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Located at the most Easterly point of the Australian mainland, Northern Rivers region New South Wales, Australia, Byron Bay is a renowned holiday destination offering magnificent beaches, boutique shopping, luxury Byron Bay accommodation and a relaxed yet sophisticated environment.
Bordered by National Parks and the Ocean, Byron Bay provides access to the clean sands of main Beach and waterways of Brunswick Heads and Ballina, offering a huge array of day trips and activities for those seeking a more energetic holiday.
Byron Bay accommodation at Cape Heritage, provides you with a private sanctuary nestled among wonderful enchanted gardens, situated on the Skinners Shoot ridgeline with wonderous views of the Byron Bay hinterland. Perfect for a romantic getaway, rejuvenating rest, a honeymoon or fun adventure with your family or friends come to our Byron Bay boutique style retreat in a special part of Australia where you can escape the busy-ness of life and enjoy the moment.
At Cape Heritage you will discover understated yet elegant 4 bedroom accommodation, which is designed to compliment the natural beauty of our surrounds and perfect Byron Bay location. Every room at Cape Heritage, facilitates the requirements for your perfect week long holiday.
Cape Heritage provides the perfect vantage point for our guests. We are located a few minutes drive to the main beach - slip off your shoes and into your swimmers, relax, unwind, explore the sandy foreshores of Byron Bay.
There
are so many ways to fill a day. Swim at secluded Byron Bay
beaches, enjoy perfect waves, explore the National Park and
walking trails or take in the magnificent views of the coastline
and hinterland ranges, from the Byron Bay lighthouse.
Byron’s stunning natural elements are the very essence
of Cape Heritage, where you will feel the magic of Byron Bay
from the first moment you arrive.
Cape Heritage is a comfortable haven within cool Mediterranean-style rendered walls, luxurious queen-sized bedrooms and spectacular views of the Byron Bay surrounding areas. One of the most spectacular properties in the region.
Generous gardens and patios create the perfect setting to lounge, relax or dine outside.
We can provide you with lots of ideas for things to do, with Byron Bay having many different activity and tour operators. Scuba Diving, Surfing, Horse riding, joy flights, ocean kayaking Craft Markets, 5 Golf Courses, Great Dining Out.... too many to list here! And of course our fabulous beaches and hinterland are there for you enjoy and explore. If you prefer, just sit back and enjoy the relaxed ambience of Cape Heritage.
Here, time flows to the gentle pulse of Nature while beaches, shops and world-class entertainment are just minutes away!
Located at the most Easterly point of the Australian mainland, Northern Rivers region New South Wales, Australia, Byron Bay is a renowned holiday destination offering magnificent beaches, boutique shopping, luxury Byron Bay accommodation and a relaxed yet sophisticated environment.
Bordered by National Parks and the Ocean, Byron Bay provides access to the clean sands of main Beach and waterways of Brunswick Heads and Ballina, offering a huge array of day trips and activities for those seeking a more energetic holiday.
The
Northern Rivers offers a vast coastline of sun-drenched, rolling
surf beaches with many of the coastal townships offering an
array of al fresco cafés and restaurants.
To the west you will find the hinterland, with majestic mountain ranges and winding scenic drives along ridges and valleys overlooking the magnificent panoramic coastline. Famous for local arts and crafts the local villages capture old world charm and ooze with the regions history.
AIRPORTS
Brisbane: approx. 2 hours drive from Byron Bay. A variety of Byron Shire based door to door Bus services departing to and from Brisbane on a regular basis. Car rental also available from Brisbane airport.
Coolongatta: approx. 45 mins drive from Byron Bay. Door to Door Bus service operating to and from this airport on a regular basis. Car rental also available from Coolongatta airport.
Ballina/Byron Airport: approx 30 mins drive from Byron Bay. Door to Door Bus service operating to and from this airport on a regular basis. Car rental also available from Ballina/Byron Airport airport.
More testamonials and media on Cape Heritage Byron Bay Accommodation
Art And Soul: Article in "The Australian" September 01, 2007
DESTINATION BYRON BAY AUSTRALIA: Barry Oliver checks into an unusual holiday house near Byron Bay
WE'VE been warned that John and Rago Dahlsen's Cape Heritage home is far from your average country retreat. Cows graze in nearby fields and the house is partly hidden behind trees. We could be light years from NSW's laidback Byron Bay, just 2.5km away, but it's the plastic bottles that grab my attention.
There must be hundreds of them, contained in an old fishing net hanging from a fence. Nearby there's a totem pole arrangement of old brown and white foam. I ask John, a leading environmental artist and Wynne prize winner in 2000, what it's called: "Brown and White Foam Totem." Silly question.
His works have fairly literal titles, John says. He's rather taken with the colours: they're a good match for the house, he suggests, as if the arrangement itself is nothing out of the ordinary. Here, as I am about to discover, it isn't.
Another environmental art totem nearly 1m tall is stacked with flippers (totems, we discover, are all over the place, made from anything from buoys, rope and plastic to driftwood, thongs and Coke bottles).
There's an air of anticipation as we open the front door. A first look takes in a sofa John has built from driftwood; there's a matching coffee table, two striking abstract paintings on a wall and an environmental art assemblage of found objects: bottle tops, bits of plastic, old rope, discarded toothbrushes, glowsticks, even lighters carefully arranged and framed under a perspex screen.
There's even a driftwood base for the flat-screen TV and DVD (a copy of The Sketchbook of Picasso lies nearby).
Another totem is topped with what appears to be a plastic workman's hat, which has seen better days.
John and Rago have spent many hours scouring beaches from Victoria to northern NSW in search of junk (or "treasures" as John puts it): driftwood, bottles, netting and discarded plastic. It's John who does most of the collecting: "I just lie back and sunbake," says Dutch-born Rago, who runs a spa on their 0.8ha property.
It's a little like staying at a gallery (with beds) -- John says that's the way he uses the house - and I get a strange buzz from being surrounded by such curious and engaging pieces.
I'm tempted to take an assemblage off the wall (just to see if it has been signed on the back, you understand) but I'm worried it might set off a hidden alarm (many of the works fetch five-figure prices).
All are for sale, but not the furniture. It's a moveable feast. Some pieces are bought by guests while others are moved temporarily for exhibitions. When we stay, some are hanging in the Big Brother house on Queensland's Gold Coast.
But back to basics. This is a holiday home, after all. We are warned not to worry about noises on the roof in the night. It will just be possums. Or maybe a koala. Oh, and the pythons are harmless. "On the whole the wildlife's pretty friendly," says John cheerily.
We have a choice of where to eat: there is a large dining table (more driftwood) in the well-appointed kitchen and another in the sunken sunroom, which more than lives up to its name with shafts of light spearing through the glass. There are also outside areas that are perfect for breakfast on a sunny morning.
The main bedroom is downstairs (even the bed is made of driftwood) and the ensuite is home to yet more assemblages. Towels hang from a driftwood rack.
On the second level there's a small bedroom and bathroom with claw bath, shower and assorted driftwood. A narrow staircase leads to two more bedrooms that share a balcony looking out across paddocks on the other side of the road. In one of the rooms, two double beds are invitingly strewn with cushions.
Needless to say, there aren't many bare walls. As we examine one assemblage, John delights in pointing out some of the found items: a tiny child's toy, glowsticks, a battered pair of sunglasses, a plastic fork. "It's like a time capsule," he says with delight. "Every piece has its own story."
What do visitors make of his work? John says some are surprised; some, like us, are intrigued. Others, strangely, don't say a word or venture near Rago's spa (guests receive a 10 per cent discount).
The house is normally rented on a weekly basis -- food isn't supplied.
Outside, the pool fails to tempt us -- it's a little chilly for a dip and it's not heated -- but we're grateful for the lounge room combustion fire and stash of nearby wood as evening approaches and the temperature dips.
We find ourselves sitting in front of the installations trying to identify what's inside. It's hard to believe the colours, or that there could be such beauty in junk thrown on to a beach by the tide.
In the morning our whooping children delight in swinging on a Tarzan rope hanging from an old tree. Dangling from another limb is a huge ball of netting containing found objects. John says it grew organically over 15 months and ended up "a bit like a beehive".
After demonstrating his technique on the rope, John tells us about his latest passion, which has involved a return to painting after a long break. He wants to record the local coastline while it's still relatively intact. "I'm not an alarmist but I am super concerned about global warming."
We're treated to a private viewing in his studio. He is building a body of work before considering an exhibition but there is no shortage of examples. One after another John and Rago produce paintings to hang on the walls. When there's no more space others are propped on the floor against the sides. Some are easily recognisable as the Byron Bay coast. Others are of so-called purged objects (the plastic blob created when a moulding machine is cleaned at the end of a production run). It's hard to comprehend.
"On the eighth day God created Byron Bay," says the bumper sticker as we head out. We've been so wrapped up in Cape Heritage we've almost forgotten about the town. I'm half tempted to scour the beaches to see what the tide has thrown up. Instead, we make do with a spot of whale-watching. Best leave the art to the experts.
Barry Oliver writes for "The Australian" and was a guest of Cape Heritage.
