TRANSCENDENCE
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WINNER 'BEST IN CLASS' ACA AWARDS, SILVER MEDALLIST VICTORIAN PICA AWARDS
Project Description
A DREAM WITHOUT FEAR

Inspired by fragile beauty and 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 beautiful creatures that embody the power of adaptation and metamorphosis.

These exquisite 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 is a self-initiated project brought to life through an exclusive collaboration with celebrated international fashion photographer Sam Bisso and Australian fashion stylist Bec Cole. Starring eight of Australia’s leading models and featuring breathtaking fashion by the country’s most iconic designers, Claire Skinner has harnessed the collective creativity and passion of over forty production specialists to envision Transcendence on the grandest of scales.

With an exclusive book and collection of short films Transcendence reaches beyond natural beauty to convey the power of the human spirit. To celebrate the launch, Claire hosted an intimate gathering at Gardens House within the magnificent Royal Botanic Gardens.

Transcendence won ‘Best in Class’ in the ‘Excellence in Craft’ category of the ACA (Australasian Catalogue Association) Awards 2018, and was also awarded a Silver Medal in the ‘Limited Edition’ category of the Victorian PICAs (Printing Industries Craftsmanship Awards) 2018.

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

 
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.

 
BIRD
 
 
BIRD
 
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.

 
DRAGONFLY
 
 
DRAGONFLY
 
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, her head held high.
A faithful endearment. Her heart belongs to only one.
Unwavering in loyalty. Reunited in a dream.
Forever.

 
SWAN
 
 
SWAN
 
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.

 
SEAHORSE
 
 
SEAHORSE
 
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.

 
BEETLE
 
 
BEETLE
 
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.

 
MOTH
 
 
MOTH
 
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.

 
SNAKE
 
 
SNAKE
 
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.

 
BUTTERFLY
 
 
BUTTERFLY