| 
Composer Kim Bowman was born in Margaret River Western Australia in 1957. He lived and had his education mainly in the Netherlands. Since January 2005 he lives and works in Sydney.
This website is designed to get you acquainted with his work. One part offers you an insight into his compositions. The other presents you his sound sculpture designs for playgrounds and public spaces.
Kim has a particular interest for writing pieces for a larger group of instruments. His approach is very orchestral. His music is generally very dense and hectic. His recent works tend to incorporate other art disciplines either by collaborating with other artists, or by engaging theatrical or visual elements. His music has been labelled in various reviews as colourfull, filmic or cinematographic.
The playground industry has undergone rapid advancement over the last ten years in Australia, with many exciting options to caring providers of outdoor play environments.
However, the field of musical play, a quality range of outdoor sound and musical items and instruments, is an area that is currently not well provided for in Australia. The limited elements which are available at the moment tend to be after thoughts and not directionally intentioned with well-tuned sound and aesthetic form.
Musical play, provided at a range of scales would be a greatly appreciated addition to city councils parks, child care centers, schools and special needs schools playgrounds and public spaces in whatever form. It is an innovation which is recognised and supported as a valuable addition to play provision by the pedagogy practicing in the fields of child care and children's well being.
Music stimulates our sense of hearing and improves our ability to recognise and interpret sounds. Exposure to a range of sounds enables children to develop and refine speech and learn to interpret their environment. Sounds and music have long been used for relaxation therapy and as educational tools. To create music, children learn to follow instructions in order to create a tune. Music contributes to the development of language skills and also promotes concentration.
Kim's innovative and robust natural musical products add a new dimension to the experience and dimension to outdoor play:
- A child senses are stimulated by sound and touch
- A child's sense of wonder, pleasure and exploration is enhanced
- The child is rewarded by the 'cause and effect' of this kind of play
In addition to that he sees a selection of his sculptures utilised in natural reserves as musical crest poles along pathways. The beautiful designs, which have a sculptural quality, would blend well with the natural environment and the sounds could harmonise with those already present within the environment.
There seems to be a great need for interactive outdoor musical designs and outdoor stimulation and we hope that Kim's range will meet these needs. Some of the pieces are especially designed to provide wheelchair accessibility. We are excited that we are able to add to the range of products currently available in the market and trust that Kim's work will provide enjoyment and pleasure, to old and young alike.
Importantly, Kim understands the requirements of the Australian Standards for playgrounds, and his quality sculptures meet the high standards necessary.