SPIRITUAL REALMS

TRANSCENDENCE

PERSONAL


WINNER 'BEST IN CLASS' ACA AWARDS, SILVER MEDALLIST VICTORIAN PICA AWARDS


FRAGILE BEAUTY,
FEARLESS STRENGTH.

Transcendence explores the realms of transformation and spiritual growth. In contrast to a human being’s struggle with change, in the natural world we find a collection of exquisite creatures that embody the power of adaptation and metamorphosis.

These beautiful and intriguing creatures represent different facets of the human psyche and are rich in symbolism across the world and throughout time. Transcending physical boundaries and embracing life’s journey through the darkest of hours, they teach us to let go of the past and forge ahead without fear.

The brainchild of Claire Skinner, Transcendence was brought to life with photographer Sam Bisso and stylist Bec Cole. Featuring eight of Australia’s leading models and breathtaking fashion by the country’s iconic designers, Transcendence reaches beyond beauty to convey the power of the human spirit.

THE MESSENGER

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FRAGILITY

Perched high above, beyond heaven and earth.
An ethereal beauty, so precious and pure.
Bask in her angelic glow, delight in her sweet melody.
Her exquisite song carries a message of truth.
A whispered secret only dreamers can hear.
In a flurry of motion, she takes to the skies.
Soaring towards eternity.

THE WANDERER

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AMBITION

A dancer of light, radiating a dazzling iridescence.
She rises from the deep, carrying the wisdom of change.
Envy her mesmerising poise, her dynamic power.
Gliding between life’s currents with inspiring agility.
Her scintillating form darts swiftly through the air.
True to herself. No boundaries, no fear.
Destiny is hers.

THE LOVER

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DEVOTION

Ripples of love, reflections of splendour.
Every move majestic, she glides through moonlit waters.
Surrender to her quiet beauty, her effortless perfection.
As her lover beckons, her long neck arches.
A faithful endearment. Her heart belongs to only one.
Unwavering in loyalty. Reunited in a dream.
Forever.

THE SAVIOUR

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CALM

A saviour of hearts, roaming a sea of dreams.
Entwined with compassion, enchanted with grace.
Admire her regal elegance, her mystical charm.
Through turbulent waters her patience is limitless.
Hovering magically amid the wild waves above.
A picture of serenity in a world of lost souls.
Anchored by love.

THE WARRIOR

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STRENGTH

An unbreakable spirit, a force from deep within.
Hardened by the past, her armour is impervious to hurt.
Fear her determination, her controlled exterior.
Grounded by the earth. Fuelled by a passionate rage.
Forging through darkness, she marches alone.
Fierce, courageous, undeterred.
She never looks back.

THE DREAMER

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FAITH

Ever elusive, cloaked in darkness.
A nocturnal spirit guided by the moon’s celestial light.
Trust in her intuition, her sense of the unseen.
As dusk descends, her relentless pursuit begins.
The flames of destiny cast a shadow of blind faith.
Closer and closer, drawn to her passion.
A dream without fear.

THE CHARMER

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ALLURE

A mythical siren, so dangerously sensual.
Shedding all inhibitions, she weaves her black magic.
Succumb to her seduction, her intoxicating beauty.
Deliriously hypnotic, irresistibly magnetic.
Lured by charm, she traps lovers in a deadly tryst.
Rendered helpless, bitten by desire.
Love is her conquest.

THE CREATOR

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WONDER

Cocooned in silk, a chrysalis of naivety.
Her wings unfold, an ephemeral flower in flight.
Cherish her innocence, her wide-eyed curiosity.
Sweet nectar entices, fleeting moments excite.
Fluttering on air like magic, she floats higher.
A captivating dance, fading into the light.
She is free.

Transcendence won ‘Best in Class’ at the ACA Awards, and a silver medal at the Victorian PICAs.


CREDITS

CONCEPT, CREATIVE DIRECTION & DESIGN: CLAIRE SKINNER

Photographer & Director: Sam Bisso, Assistants: Reuben Gates, John O’Rourke & Marcus Cropp, Stylist: Bec Cole, Hair & Makeup: Julie Provis, Specialist Hair Braiding: Georgia Freedman, Studio: The Establishment Studios, Talent Agency: Vivien’s Models Melbourne & Sydney, Retouching: Peter Orlik, Editing: Reuben Gates & Claire Skinner, Sound Design: Nick Van Cuylenburg - White Owl Sound, Titles & Motion Effects: Damian Dunne - Milked, Copywriting: Dennis Marchese & Claire Skinner, Paper: Spicers, Printing: Gunn & Taylor

Featuring: Bird: Emily Wake, Dragonfly: Stefanny Agius, Swan: Emma D, Seahorse: Natalia Kalinowski, Beetle: Janelle Franklin, Moth: Leah Johnsen, Snake: Millicent Lambert, Butterfly: Lottie

Styling: Bird: Cappellazzo Couture (with collar by Suzanne Harward), Dragonfly: Matcho Suba, Swan: Toni Maticevski, Seahorse: Gabrielle Brown, Beetle: Christina Exie, Moth: Aurelio Costarella, Snake: Aurelio Costarella, Butterfly: Suzanne Harward, Accessories: Christine