Gardens of Wonder
The Dallas Arboretum
My attention and interest fizzled up and overflowed in all directions
during week one of my field study at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical
Garden in Dallas, Texas. Wondering through the myriad of gardens was similar to
being serenaded: the array of attractions sang to me all at once, creating
harmonies that stimulated thoughts and feelings.
I am connected with this museum
in an unusually personal way given that my mother has been very involved with a
variety of projects there. One of those projects being a prairie house village
that she donated after the land for their original location was sold, and her business
of selling them ended. The Arboretum now refers to this village as “Texas Town”
and apparently it is a major attraction for the children.
Re-visiting this village in
its official exhibit form as a college student conducting a field study feels
unbearable strange. It is a physical emblem of passing time, for I remember
playing in those houses as a child when they were up for sale in an area that
is now a Quick Trip gas station. I even have one in my own backyard, the first
one ever built.
Even more striking than this
was an unexpected discovery nestled down a secluded path of tall bamboo. I
wondered down the path and encountered an African throne sitting in the midst
of bamboo bars. What was so surprising about this is that I painted it myself.
My mother had been hired to build it, and in a feverish panic the night before
it was due she had to leave and asked if I could paint it. Now it stands in
public, with pictures of African tribes surrounding it. So, what does my late
night painting mean to someone else? How many other artists construct exhibited
meaning without any awareness of it? I just so happened to film the occurrence of
this discovery:
Although
this was all of interest, it is my past, and I would like to bring present
interest to the surface. The most exhilarating thing that has happened during
week one was the discovery of a wind harp. I wasn’t expecting such a whimsical instrument
to be present! It evoked true happiness, as well as an entirely new level of
sensory experience. I was fully engaged for the day:
As my
fingers danced amongst the strings
the wind
that blew enchanted me
the plants
and trees sang and seemed
to move with
fluid joy and peace
swaying with
the rhythm
of the sun
beam song
I saw the
sound
Blossom
and talk
and move
around
the sonic
graphics appeared
and gave voice to the visions of the wind.
Earth’s
breath had a body.
I
made a recording, and I got a little carried away. I plan to re-record for
certain, but if you would like to hear the initial sounds and skip around on
it, feel free. You could even envision me prowling around it with a grin from
ear to ear while attracting glances of uncertainty from the surrounding
visitors.
http://soundcloud.com/whitesummerness/wind-harp1
And finally, the log:
Friday:
Researching books on museums and ordering books from amazon: 12-2, downloading Firefox
and zotero and searching for articles 3-5
Saturday: Seeking
out and purchasing audio and video equipment 1-3, Examining Arboretum’s website
for additional information 3:30-4, Reading over assignments 4-4:30
Sunday: Preparation
of field journal paint splatter 12:45-1, paint 1-2, Reading the Object Stares Back by James Elkins
from 3-4 and 6-8
Monday: On site
from 2-4:30, Reflection journal entry 5-5:30, Reading The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden book 6:30-8:30,
meditation 9-10
Tuesday: Face
Modeling (I become an object) 10:30-1:30, on site from 2-5, Reflection entry
5-5:30, Reading TOSB 6:30-8:30, meditation 9-10
Wednesday: Arboretum inquiring
11-12, On site 1-4, reflection entry 4-4:30, Read TOSB 5-7, yoga 8-9:30
Thursday: Onsite
12-3, reflect 3:30-4, compile media 4:15-4:30, Blog post 4:30-6
Total: 40 hours