SOUND SCULPTOR

Sound Sculptures, or musical instruments for playground have added new dimensions to outdoor playground and park play. Musical education has proven beneficial to the development of children in improving a variety of skills. As a trained musician and composer I have experienced the challenge and systems working in the brain when performing and writing music. There is a major mathematical sense at work that functions as a wonderful organiser in brain activities. Furthermore music can touch on various emotions. Much more advantage should be taken from these qualities in educational systems. If a child hears fine music from the day of birth, and learns to play it, he or she develops sensitivity, discipline and endurance.

Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed. Any child who is properly trained can develop a musical ability just as all children develop the ability to speak. Everyone can make music. In many parts of the world, everyone makes music as part of a household or other social group. In our society, non-professional sports people aren't afraid to have a social game of cricket, or football. Why do you have to be a professional musician to make music?
Music is able to express emotions, but remains in itself and abstract form of art. One music symbol written after the other hardly gives away what is really behind the written symbols. But there is also music that is not written down. Improvised music for instance can be found all over this planet. Improvised music uses a set of rules with one main rule: listening to what your fellow musicians are doing with the goal to create a piece of music together. By arranging various Sound Sculptures within each others audible vicinity, children are able to enjoy their skills and train to listen what others are doing. Some might become aware of the sounds around them and react on them.
In designing playgrounds, especially for children, there has always been an emphasis on the physical aspect of play. Other senses like hearing, touch and smell are fairly new to be incorporated into playgrounds. Sensory Gardens, for touch and smell, as well as Sound Sculptures have seen recent developments in the playground industry.
Since early 2008 I am designing and manufacturing a growing range of interactive and occasionally multifunctional sound sculptures for playgrounds and other public areas. Creating a bridge to my earlier training as a visual artist and my later training as a musician and composer. All sculptures are manufactured of sustainable materials like Iron Bark and Stainless Steel, providing enjoyable and sustainable play environments for children and adults. It is a challenge and joy to design beauty combined with functionality.