Saturday, September 25, 2010

Whats the Plan?










The two previous entries were propossals to be presented at a seminar at the Eastin Hotel on the 29th. of this month. This seminar is organized by the Tourism department under the malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism program for the Penang state Government. I have had these ideas for quite sometime now along with a few others staged away at the back of my mind. Now that the opportunity to present them is made available i see no reason why I should not share my vision if it will help to enlighten a few spots around the island.

If these ideas are accepted it will give me something to work on for the next few months or even a year or two and not to mention the opportunity to leave behind a mark or two of my contribution as an artist born and raised on this island. It would be like a continuity of my father and grandfather having left theirs in their time. I am hoping that the wood sculpture project would receive positve response as it is something that will be unique as will have a very strong impact upon the Aesthetic as well educational value for both locals as well tourists in the long run. hanving discussed the idea with a few people who has in one or another knowledge related to this subject i received more positve support than negative feedback. A distant relative who was at one time attached to the forestry department offered to help if and when the time comes in making some connections so as to carry out the search for appropriate help and support and not tomention the timber itself. He thought it was a grand idea when i first related it to him.

Hasnul J.Saidon, the director of MGTF -USM was impressed with the idea that he immediately gave it the name 'Kayu Nusantara" which I interprete as the " Timbers of the Malay Archipelago.". he has already expanded the work to encompass neighboring countries such as Thailand and Indonesia.

It is hard to imagine what it would cost to extract a giant timber root from within the forest and locate it at the chosen site all cleaned up and primed like a finished sculpture. This root or stump could originate from the state of Sarawak or Sabah or even Java or Sumatra in Indonesia as part of the plan was to display as many different types of timber from the tropical rain forest areas as possible.The cost might seem astronomical if one think about it, however I believe in the magic of making things happen by willing it to happen. Firstly an viable idea has to happen no matter how grand it may seems and this idea has to made it a realization through constant visualization in mind and spirit. Secondly to put into motion the fruition of this idea through various means and people related to it; it has to be a collective effort. Communicating this idea to the right minds at the right time is crucial and to convince others of its feasibilty and greatness is paramount. For once you have achieved this the cost will somehow be negligible as the idea itself through its own merit will draw help and support from sources often times one least expect. When the Pharoah of ancient Egypt conceived the idea of building a pyramid I doubt that the cost of it came into the picture.
The Penang State Tourism Board
The MCAT working committee
The MPPP (Penang City CouncilCouncil)
The Various Forestry department (Of States)
The Penang Development Corporation
The Penang Heritage Board
The Various Logging Companies. (for assistance)
The various private sector companies (donations etc.)
These are some of the government as well non governmental bodies that can play a support role in implementing this project as it benifits each and everyone in various ways. If approached in a proper manner they will be resourcefull in getting the job done.
God willing this project will happen and it will have an impact upon the Tourism Industry in the state if not in the country.

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