My fascination with the unique beauty of art stemming from the simplest of mediums began in the fifth grade, specifically with one dark haired, brown eyed boy named Hiroshi who hailed from the exotic island of Japan, an island as remote as afternoon recess during our mid-morning math drills.
I was putty in his hands, as was the lined notebook paper he used to craft an origami crane at the speed of infatuation. He passed his delicate bird and humble devotion across the aisle to me without speaking a word, without the customary pinching, teasing or name calling so culturally pervasive.
I followed his lead with a silent but meaningful batting of the eyelashes, head down, a whisper of a second glance in his direction after I accepted his gift. The deal was sealed, at least for the lifespan of liaisons typical of caterpillars on the brink of flight. Two weeks later it was Bobby’s Snickers candy bar (Chocolate! Need I say more?) that was suddenly more enticing than all those cranes littering my desktop.
I was putty in his hands, as was the lined notebook paper he used to craft an origami crane at the speed of infatuation. He passed his delicate bird and humble devotion across the aisle to me without speaking a word, without the customary pinching, teasing or name calling so culturally pervasive.
I followed his lead with a silent but meaningful batting of the eyelashes, head down, a whisper of a second glance in his direction after I accepted his gift. The deal was sealed, at least for the lifespan of liaisons typical of caterpillars on the brink of flight. Two weeks later it was Bobby’s Snickers candy bar (Chocolate! Need I say more?) that was suddenly more enticing than all those cranes littering my desktop.
I saved those cranes until the end of the school year. Their delicate beauty hinted at something in me I couldn’t yet identify, couldn’t let go. I am still moved years later by the aesthetics of art forms whose beauty transcends the ordinary nature inherent in the medium used to sculpt the artist’s vision.
The medium was ordinary bamboo, the gallery Denver’s Botanic Gardens in the Cheesman Park neighborhood of Denver.
The medium was ordinary bamboo, the gallery Denver’s Botanic Gardens in the Cheesman Park neighborhood of Denver.
My hair looks like this every morning when I wake up.
As the official May 5th opening day for the Kizuna: West Meets East exhibit loomed on the horizon, it was evident on May 2nd when my father, brother and I visited the botanical gardens that there was a flurry of site-specific construction in progress to complete the visionary works of Japanese artist Tetsunori Kawana and American artist Stephen Talasnik.
Basket weaving 101 collides with Introductory Sculpture.
Tetsunori’s massive and stunning bamboo structure taking shape in an expansive open area looked like the skeletal remains of a beached whale from one direction,
Kizuna means to "bond." These exhibits represent the bonds between peoples, families and cultures.
from another direction a clump of giant wind swept sea oats bending under the weight of nature's fury.
Surfs up!
Stephen’s designs floated like lily pads in the Monet Pool that’s part of the Bill Hosokawa Bonsai Pavilion and Tea Garden. Their delicate and intricate compositions were a maze of twisted bamboo and plastic zip ties that ran the gamut from geometrical delights to
This vase doesn't look like it will hold much water.
apocalyptic statements reminiscent of empty skyscrapers devoid of life in a futuristic society. Whoa, that came out of some dark recess at the back of my mind!
Whatever floats your boat.
And then there was one that simply looked like a giant Pterodactyl's nest.
This inner tube is big enough for the entire swim team.
This impressive display of Eastern art was commissioned by Denver’s Botanic Gardens to commemorate the opening of the new Japanese Garden. We missed the actual show, but the dress rehearsal was a sight to see, especially all the stage hands behind the scenes, the busy worker bees tirelessly bringing it all exquisitely to life.
Pickup sticks anyone?
Not that there wasn’t life before Kizuna. Denver’s got the dirt on 42 different gardens, a far cry from the cacti, yucca and tumbleweeds I envisioned growing a mile high out here in the wild, wild west when we planned our visit to Denver’s Botanic Gardens.
What do I know about gardens, Denver’s or otherwise? Obviously, very little, but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate someone who does and these cowboys do. Well, actually they’re horticulturists and as one of the top-ranked botanical gardens in the United States, these cowboy horticulturists know a thing or two about connecting people with all variety of plants.
Chris, Dad and I spent at least an hour alone making our way through the jungle of Boettcher’s Memorial Tropical Conservatory.
What do I know about gardens, Denver’s or otherwise? Obviously, very little, but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate someone who does and these cowboys do. Well, actually they’re horticulturists and as one of the top-ranked botanical gardens in the United States, these cowboy horticulturists know a thing or two about connecting people with all variety of plants.
Chris, Dad and I spent at least an hour alone making our way through the jungle of Boettcher’s Memorial Tropical Conservatory.
Geometry at its finest.
I kept expecting a monkey or aborigine to jump out from behind the erotic (oops, I mean exotic) specimens of plant life thriving under this botanic bubble but apparently there was safety in numbers.
This one obviously thrives on attention.
Now I know why it was so hot and steamy in the conservatory.
Pretty in pink.
We did run into this giraffe foraging for food near Tarzan and Jane’s tree top villa.
It was a tall order but Denver came through with flying colors.
The place looked abandoned, perhaps yet another statistic in the growing numbers of foreclosure. It’s certainly a jungle out there, wouldn’t you agree?
Home sweet home to dozens of bromeliads.
These two (my dad and brother Chris) agreed and were ready to move on in search of greener pastures. Do pastures come any greener than a tropical rainforest?
These two weren't always bench warmers.
We all agreed, there were Rock gardens to see,
Easy to keep your eye on the prize in these gardens.
Japanese gardens to wander,
Pacman is enjoying retirement in Denver's Botanic Gardens.
and perennial gardens to admire, to name just a few.
Anybody see my glasses?
We had miles and miles to go (ah, what I wouldn’t have done for a little Frost in this hot, Denver sun). It was every bit the jungle out here too,
Chris puts some elbow grease into Japan's version of a corn maze.
albeit a colorful jungle.
Good posture is very important to tulips.
Are you sure these aren't made of crepe paper?
But in no time it began to feel like a desert as the Denver sun approached its zenith, at least until we reached the upper fountain area where the cool mist of the flowing waters created a welcome oasis.
Eat your heart out, 2001 Space Odyssey.
Food and water was starting to look better than all the flora and fauna, especially when we dubbed this last specimen an orange hydrant-ah, undoubtedly a member of the hydranga family.
No dogs allowed!
Maybe it was the altitude, maybe it was dehydration, but for sure it was time to throw in the trowel and call it a day.
_________________________
Bottom line on Denver Botanic Gardens:
- Verdict: If I lived in the Denver area, I’d undoubtedly be a member to take full advantage
of these diverse gardens (4 locations in all), particularly the programs and functions that
complement the plant life, from summer concerts to instructional opportunities to private
weddings. The Kizuna: West Meets Eat summer art show runs from May to November.
- How to Get There: Denver's new Light Rail System goes right into the downtown area
from nearby suburbs and allows for free bus transfers where necessary. We drove in from
the south suburbs mid-morning in under 30 minutes.
- Insider Info: Arrive early to beat the heat and large groups of visitors. Plan your visit to
be sure to see those gardens of particular interest to you. Check out their website before
you go, including the programs and concerts that might be of interest. Also check the web
for discounts on admission. I found a 2-for-1 coupon online while doing research.
- Nearby Food: There are two restaurants on site that cover everything from salads and
sandwiches to grilled burgers, chicken and tuna steak. With the Botanic Gardens just 10
minutes east of downtown Denver, the dining options are as plentiful as the sunshine.
_________________________
Bottom line on Denver Botanic Gardens:
- Verdict: If I lived in the Denver area, I’d undoubtedly be a member to take full advantage
of these diverse gardens (4 locations in all), particularly the programs and functions that
complement the plant life, from summer concerts to instructional opportunities to private
weddings. The Kizuna: West Meets Eat summer art show runs from May to November.
- How to Get There: Denver's new Light Rail System goes right into the downtown area
from nearby suburbs and allows for free bus transfers where necessary. We drove in from
the south suburbs mid-morning in under 30 minutes.
- Insider Info: Arrive early to beat the heat and large groups of visitors. Plan your visit to
be sure to see those gardens of particular interest to you. Check out their website before
you go, including the programs and concerts that might be of interest. Also check the web
for discounts on admission. I found a 2-for-1 coupon online while doing research.
- Nearby Food: There are two restaurants on site that cover everything from salads and
sandwiches to grilled burgers, chicken and tuna steak. With the Botanic Gardens just 10
minutes east of downtown Denver, the dining options are as plentiful as the sunshine.
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