Wednesday, February 23, 2011

The Wizard of Oz


Australia isn’t a country that’s ever been on my must-visit list. I’m not fully sure why, I’ve plenty of friends and even some family down there and I know it’s supposedly spectacular in parts. I’ve just never felt ‘drawn’ to it the way I am to other far away lands.  I think it’s them pesky arachnids that put me off. No, I know it’s the bugs. And the sun. I’m not a sunny person.

All that said, the 24-hour flight, spiders and heatstroke would definitely be worth it just to visit the whimsical world of Bruno Torfs. It is a place of magic, beauty and hope; not just because of the awe-inspiring creations which live there, but also because of the equally inspirational story behind this fantasy garden, nestled deep in the rainforest. A story which is still being written.

I first became aware of Mr Torfs’ magical sculptures last year when they were in the news after being totally destroyed by the 2009 bush fires. Yup, that wonderful wizard above is no more, charred away to cinders by the vengeful wrath of nature, along with almost the entirety of Torfs’ life’s work. It just doesn’t seem right that this special and wondrous place could fall victim to such devastation. But I suppose it would be more than a little naive to hope She would make an exception for art while human beings were dying.  Still, I can only imagine how heartbreaking it must have been for all involved. Here are a few more examples of the beauty that was lost:
 
 
Like in all good fantasy tales, however, out of the ashes of doom and despair our hero brings light. For, you see, Torfs’ “passion to share his love of art and the story of life with the world has not been damaged by the fires, in fact you could almost say it has been forged anew by the flames that nearly took it all away”. (Read his own words here.)

Yes folks, last month, less than a year after it was scorched to the ground, Bruno’s Art and Sculpture Garden reopened. Risen like a phoenix from the flames, if that’s not too cliched a way to put it.  He now has more than 100 new sculptures to share with visitors and you can be sure there’ll be many more to come. Here are few of the recently created wonders:


Anyway, I hope you all found the story of Bruno’s forest haven to be as uplifting as I did. I think if we all had even a fraction of the determination, resilience and vision of this man the world wouldn’t as depressing a place as it can seem these days. Oh, and sorry about the cheesy post title - I just couldn’t resist!

15 comments:

Dotty Delightful said...

just found your blog and Im in bloggy heaven, oh my stars and garters Im loving these sculptures, Im off now to read through your oldposts, I think it's going to be a late night for me! x

Kathy said...

Oh. This made me unbelievably sad and rejoiceful at the same time. How wonderful that he has continued creating these fabulous sculptures. I think I would have just sat down and cried. What an amazing person. I'm so glad you shared this! - Cheers, Kathy

Heathen said...

These are beautiful! I especially loved the Ophelia sculpture (that was destroyed). It's amazing that he started anew and rebuilt his beautiful garden!

Trivia said...

lovely world he has there*

Nichola said...

Fantastical! I love the story as well as the work.

Laura {Gypsea Tree} said...

Oh this wonderful news! I remember seeing lots of the older images after they were destroyed in the fires and it's great to know that it is re-opening! News has been pretty troubling lately, so this is especially nice to hear just now...

mirsini's creations said...

What a magical place is that!!!! I looooove this place and i definitely admire the artist! I would like to go there! Well, i would like to visit Australia but it's a veeeery long journey and it's difficult to deside it! We have some friends there also. Maybe i will go some day! I wish i will go visit this faery place ! Thank you for sharing!!
Kisseeeees!!! :)

Jeanne said...

WoW!!!! How utterly cool!!!! I would love to go see this Enchanting part of the world! Thank you so much for taking us there.
Thank you for the lovely comments on my blog. They always bring a smile to my heart. :0)
Now off I go to visit this Magickal Place's website.....

Anonymous said...

I think I would WALK to Australia just to see Bruno's Garden. If only I can get me some boat shoes, I'd be good to go. Anyway, thanks for sharing,Roisin. You always manage to find some amazing things. Perhaps you're just a magnet for the strange and wonderful. I'm so saddened to hear that all those beautiful sculptures have been lost. But with Bruno's vision, his garden will continue to grow and to inspire all.

Such a Wondrous Place this Faery Space said...

I have never been drawn there, either. I like lots of green, shade, etc. This seems other worldly, though... ahh. Thanks for showing me! I send love and laughter to lighten your load. Blessings.

Ruthie Redden said...

Roisin, i remember reading about the devastating loss of all that beauty, is't it wonderful that it has been restored & opened again. x

TheBlakkDuchess said...

Wow. What a tragic loss, but what an amazing ability to renew! These are truly magical as well as beautiful. ^-^

xoxo

Romeo said...

Whoa! What a loss of such wonder and beauty... and what courage to begin anew.....with yet more wonder.....thank mew so much for sharing his beautiful sculpture because there is NO WAY I would be going there - DO NOT do spider. I'm sitting here nervous because of the post above mine and it's just a picture....but it's still A SPIDER! Eeeeekkkk! Did I mention I don't do spiders?!?

Purrs!

Romeo and "her"

Anthropomorphica said...

Fantastic, that he was able to start anew and create beautiful work over and keep the surviving pieces. Such a creative soul, what strength it must have taken to start again.

Kräuterfraala Carola Hebentanz said...

Beautiful images and photographs. Thank you for having given us this insight. A sensitve and strong Man.

Greetings from Germany
Kräuterfraala

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