Artist Merinda Davies is inviting the public to help grow a micro-forest in Surfers Paradise, Kombumerri Country. Using plant species native to the region, the forest will become a ‘paradise’ people can enjoy in Surfers on Kombumerri land. A soundscape created for the forest will filter through speakers – tones and sounds similar to the electric pulse language of the trees. This artwork asks us to think about how we regard and communicate with forests and trees, and to consider a future where plants are our equals.
“Merinda’s micro-forest will create a meeting place for the community to reflect on the prehistoric forests of Surfers Paradise. Locals and tourists can immerse themselves into the culture and sounds of a time when the forest dominated the surrounding area. It is important to ensure our history is embraced in the future. Eco-tourism is a growing market and I think what Merinda has achieved here is a great step for the area towards tapping into this tourism economy.” – Cr Darren Taylor
In a first of its kind artist Merinda Davies will be situated in the centre of Surfers Paradise in residency at Cavill Lane during the development of the artwork, where she will run a series of workshops, public talks and host an open studio where the community will be able to engage in the art work in progress.
“The partnership with Cavill Lane has meant that during the growing of the forest, I am able to have conversations with the public and invite them in to witness the process and be a part of growing the forest from the outset, this is an amazing opportunity to engage the community during the process of making the artwork.” – Merinda
“Cavill Lane Surfers Paradise is a unique laneway in the heart of the city, surrounded by an eclectic range of businesses from restaurants to everyday services. We take pride in collaborating and working with local creatives within our laneway whilst contributing to the arts and culture scene in our precinct. We value community partnerships and initiatives such as the Conversations of the Forest living arts project and we are proud to take part in it.” – Carleen Janlewicz Marketing & Events Manager Cavill Lane
“Conversations with the Forest is a living, growing and breathing artwork, my hope for the artwork is that it outlives all of us and provides a blueprint for what is possible if we can begin to imagine our cities being multi species habitats of the future.” Merinda
“I am seeking support to help bring the project to life, whether that is through becoming involved in the making of the forest as a ‘Forest Agent’ or becoming a key partner for the project” Merinda
“This artwork is about creating a legacy for the City, 100 years ago the area that is now called Surfers Paradise was a dense littoral rainforest, standing here now we are surrounded by dense highrises, in making this artwork I am imagining a way we can look forwards to the future through the history of this place” Merinda
Research has now been able to show that plants are able to listen, using their root systems to follow the sound of water. Merinda is working collaboratively with Scientific Researcher Monica Gagliano who specialises in plant bioacoustics and Kombumerri Traditional Owner and Ranger Justine Dillon to bring this project and fascinating research to life.
