Floating Gardens

Susie Ibarra
Portrait of Susie Ibarra at Wave Farm

Portrait of Susie Ibarra at Wave Farm. Photographed by Alon Koppel Photography. (Sep 30, 2023)

Susie Ibarra conducting research for Floating Gardens

Susie Ibarra conducting research for Floating Gardens. Photographed by Alon Koppel Photography. (Sep 30, 2023)

Susie Ibarra in residence at Wave Farm

Susie Ibarra in residence at Wave Farm. Photographed by Alon Koppel Photography. (Sep 30, 2023)

Susie Ibarra in the Wave Farm pond

Susie Ibarra in the Wave Farm pond. Photographed by Alon Koppel Photography. (Sep 30, 2023)

Susie Ibarra’s Floating Gardens are sonic sculptures and sonic habitats inspired by biodiversity on earth. The work is a reflection on the extraordinary statistic that approximately 2.5 percent of the earth’s land has intact biodiverse habitats that support more than half the world’s plant species and just under half of the bird, mammal, and reptiles species as endemics, not found anywhere else. Inspired by this, Floating Gardens are sounding sculptures that are light, have movement, and resonate gently, offering an entry into a sensory experience that connects with the habitats. The project is also inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh’s recent writing about Deep Ecology in which he states “True Love Heals.” Floating Gardens are reflections of nature’s beauty in visual sculpture and sonic transmission, and also serve with functions to support natural environments. In-residence at Wave Farm, Ibarra will research and develop the first edition of her Floating Gardens: a Tamayuk Philippine conch shell made of gong metals. Beneath the flowing sound sculpture will be microbial plants selected to support the specific ecosystem in Wave Farm’s second pond. Sensors will measure plant behavior and emissions which will be transmitted to the percussive elements of the sculpture activating the Tamayuk sonically.