Raised From the Ashes

Beginning regrowth and re sculpture after the fire.

Before the fire

Regrowth and re sculptures after the fire.

Bruno Torfs had made an astounding sculpture garden near Marysville, Australia. His sculptures are life size terracotta figures both realistic and whimsical. His art doesn't stop with a simple display of his work, it is incorporated into the large section of sub-alpine rain forest. The art looks like it was a product of the forest and not man.

Along with the sculpture gardens, he established his family's home, a workshop, and a gallery housing over 200 oil paintings, sketches and smaller sculptures.

In 2009, the garden had over 150 pieces of life size terracotta sculptures. All surrounded with flora both old and newly inspired. The amazing talent, the unique displays, and the beautiful wonders of the setting led to Bruno opening the gardens to the public.

You may remember that in February 2009 this area of Australia had a horrible bushfire that killed both residents and the natural wonders. As only a huge bushfire can do, it raged indiscriminately amidst this area, claiming the lives of Bruno's friends and neighbours.

Bruno and his family managed to escape but their home and gallery were completely destroyed. The sculpture garden was heavily damaged. At this point, no one would have blamed the famed artist for quitting or at least leaving the area for other things. When I viewed the damage, I couldn't imagine loosing so much of of what my soul had created (an artist's work is the baring of a soul).

But, as those of us who have faith to believe our soul can not be lost, Bruno, his family, friends and even strangers, assessed the damage and started the restoration process. They found around 60% of the sculptures miraculously survived. You can read about the entire process on his web site.

So here are the points of this article:

• Should you visit Australia, plan a walk through his gardens.
• Use your ability to create beauty within nature.
• Don't be discouraged with garden and landscape losses.
• Use losses to build upon the future; perhaps a better future.
• Be thankful for someone such as Bruno who creates, shares, and creates again.

Right after the fire.

Bruno Torfs (Melbourne, Australia) art and the story of his garden may be viewed at http://www.brunosart.com/

Many articles include slides from the original garden

Google using Bruno Torfs