We are extremely pleased to share a story from an Australian guest who travelled to Antarctica.
PAMELA FAIRBURN was so inspired by what she was witnessing, she spent her time sketching and drawing her surrounds to create a series of paintings she calls Precious White.
Her paintings explore the light, reflections, textures, colour and human stories from the precious landscapes of Antarctica and we wanted to share her story and experience with you too.
Pamela tells us about her experience:
"I can't in words describe my awe and wonderment of what we experienced down on the White Continent!
I was so fortunate to travel with my husband and 2 other couples to Antarctica on board the cruise ship L'Austral. It was to be a trip of a lifetime and one I would never forget... it has always been on our Bucket List but in reality it was so much more than what we could have imagined! We travelled from the tip of South America leaving the port town of Ushuaia and civilisation behind us. We weathered the notorious Drake Passage and we weren't even seasick! The sea birds followed us all the way down to the Peninsula. A good omen?"
"After dinner on day 3 our captain announced we would have time and light to go ashore in the romantic sounding Half Moon Bay. This was the start of many shore excursions during our amazing time down there!
I loved getting ashore and settling onto a quiet rock or ledge where I pulled out my watercolour sketchbook and travel set of watercolours. Sometimes Adelie, Gentoo or Chinstrap Penguins would watch me and wonder what I was doing! My husband and friends would explore the icy terrain, penguin rookeries and glacial forms while I had a little time to take in the landscape and paint. They had to be quick sketches as the zodiac would then deliver us back to our luxury ship for lunch, afternoon drinks or dinner.... what a treat it was!"
"One of my breath away moments was when we passed through The Lemaire Channel... the ship moved slowly and quietly through the ice pack, mountains each side and the sun setting. Minke whales, humpbacks, seals and many penguins were just metres away from the ship ... Nature and such beauty!
I have used paint and collage on canvas to explore and try to capture the Essence of our Precious White Land. So important for us all to preserve and care for..... for future generations!"
Want to join PONANT in Antarctica?
Experience the surreal landscapes and rich, fascinating wildlife of the Great White Continent on a small-ship Expedition.
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