Written in Stone: reading the rocks of the Great Ocean Road is a multi-disciplinary book; combining research, writing, sketches and photographs that chart the 135 million year story of the surf coast and its geology.

Released in December 2017 it sold out within a few months. Currently it is in its second print run with a third due to be ordered soon. It is available at all major bookstores in Melbourne e.g The Melbourne Museum, Readings, Hill of Content and along the coast.

Limited edition prints are now available: 

10'x10' on Canson Print Making Rag paper.

Locations: Apollo Bay, Cliff's east of Point Ronald, Boulder Beach, Devil's Kitchen and Soapy Rocks!

ALL PHOTOGRAPHY © PHILOMENA MANIFOLD 

Philomena is a Writer/Illustrator and explorer of wild places. Her work focuses on the meeting point between Science and Art. She is deeply interested in how we connect to place. How we can become more intimate with the world and our own sense of belonging.

Her work spans the genres of Creative Nonfiction, Design and Embodiment Practices.  

Graduating in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts and Science (Major in Geology) and a Diploma of Creative Writing from the University of Melbourne, she has since focused on exploring creative ways to communicate about the natural world.

Philomena spent nine years living between Melbourne and the Southwest Victorian Coast photographing, researching, writing and sketching the coastline. The goal: “Written in Stone: reading the rocks of the Great Ocean Road” a book that explores the geological stories of the region. This project was funded by a $20,000 Pozible campaign and has gone on to become a much celebrated publication. The Pozible page is still available for viewing - here. The second print run is currently available in Melbourne, Sydney and along the Great Ocean Road.

Aside from writing and exploring geology Philomena has an interest in design projects that foster connection with local environments. Currently she is working on the CERES Meditation Garden. Through in depth community consultation she designed the garden which explores contemplative practices, deep time and place.

She is a full time author, designer and educator. Spending time in her studio and traveling to talk on the topic of Geology and Creativity.

Philomena has studied Landscape Architecture, Geology and Creative Writing. These disciplines have resulted in a particular way of working with place, perspective, deep time and our connection to the wild.

My vision is to connect people to landscape.

This book is a homage to the land that meets the ocean. 

A wild place to be treasured.

– PHILOMENA MANIFOLD