The Sound Garden was opened on 17 July with Mr Kubo and Uncle Joey attending the ceremony. The Suikinkutsu is now encircled by a mosaic path of Freshwater Eel, the Turrbul People’s dreaming. The space lit up in the gold late afternoon light projected through the fig tree branches that swung ever so gently. As we gathered and listened, the world just seemed to unfold. A butcherbird came for a drink from the new washbasin, and others sang lyrically and happily among the trees. Silence was audible – suddenly we found ourselves in a peaceful space.
This Sound Garden is a place of listening. The subtle resonance of the harp becomes our connection with a place. It teaches us that we can create a peaceful place around us wherever we are. Listening to our changing environment as well as to each other seems ever more important today. The Garden also celebrates the water in a creative way, also acknowledging the stories and voices of the land. I hope the Freshwater eel will enjoy the music of the water. I also hope that the Garden will be a creative space. At the end of the ceremony, two artists – percussionist Vanessa Tomlinson and eurythmist Jan Baker-Finch “performed the space”. Creative space extends our imagination and enables a gathering across time, languages and any geographical boundaries. I hope this space will be used for many inspirational activities, and many celebration and gatherings will take place in this garden.
The project was funded by art+place, Arts Qld’s public art funding, the University of Queensland and support from the Roma St Parkland and Project Services. Argo Architect + Master Planners translated the concept into the garden design, Artists involved are: Ken Kikkawa (ceramic pots with an assistance from South Bank TAFE), Kat Leehy (mosaic design) and Terry Coker (tiling). Mr Kubo was assisted by Hideki Okubo and Simon Wearne, who have been valuable part of the all three harp installations in Australia (Tasmania, Brisbane, Harvey Bay). I am grateful for everyone’s belief and commitment to the project. (Photo: Hideki Okubo)
