Garden of beauty: reflections

During the Singapore Night Festival in August 2023, the 'Garden of Beauty' was executed by Talya Jane Shelley, the founder of Mind in the Mountains, in collaboration with the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd.

This enchanting exhibition space welcomed approximately 3,800 visitors. Here, they were encouraged to explore and contemplate the themes of 'Beauty and Goodness,' engage in crafting their very own paper flowers to be planted in the gardens of virtues, and witness an evolving live drawing over the course of 2 weeks. The environment was in a constant state of evolution, mirroring the act of creation itself, offering visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the ongoing process.

The success of this exhibition was made possible by the dedication of about 40 volunteers, including a preparation team responsible for getting materials and flowers ready, creative helpers who guided visitors in making their own flowers during the exhibition, ushers who warmly welcomed visitors, and the setup team that ensured everything was in order each day.

Following the event, several visitors and volunteers graciously shared their reflections on their experiences:

Photography by @sam_captures_

“Finding out how the paper flowers in the Garden of Beauty were handmade by non-professional artists made them even more beautiful, and expresses how beauty can come from what appears as ordinary”

- Nicholas Lye

Photography by @sam_captures_

“I had a group of friends come to try cutting flowers…

They all followed the steps, and opened up the paper to look at the shape they made for the petals…

Each was different, and all three were disappointed…’aiyoh, mine so ugly’ - it wasn’t what they’d hoped for!

I told them to wait, it would be beautiful!

They continued to make it, a bit disheartened.

But, after I showed them to stretch the petals, gently give it a bit of care their faces suddenly lit up…their flowers were beautiful!

Made me realize it’s just like our lives. We have a picture in our minds of what we want, some people seem to have everything go right, so easy, but we often feel our own dreams are dashed or hit road blocks. But if we trust and continue God is fair, he has a plan for us, and we will blossom too, in His time.”

- Lisa, Volunteer

Photography by @w4nderings

‘My first impression of the event was how fascinating the paper flowers were. I did not expect paper flowers to turn into such beautiful flowers! I loved the varieties of flower petals and stems, and the fact that no one flower is the same shows how much effort and creativity each person had! I adored the variations of different colours too. It is enjoyable to see how you and others assembled the flowers together.

Another part that surprised me was the “clouds” of virtue (these refer to Gardens each representing and explaining virtues based on the ‘fruits of the holy spirit’)! They looked so dreamy and very beautiful with the flowers on them.

One of the virtues that I had a strong impression of was “Patience”. As someone who is not a Catholic, I don’t have the knowledge or experience regarding the “fruits of the Holy Spirit”. But the meaning of patience here inspires me - I didn’t see it as “sacrifice” beforehand and this is very interesting to me. I hope that other people will gain new inspiration like I did, whether they are catholic or not!

I really liked how co-creation is encouraged in the exhibition. By letting people make their own flowers and plant in the clouds of virtue, I believe this activity enhances their whole experience to be more mindful about the topic (beauty) and makes it unforgettable! I loved assisting and watching people make their own flowers - they looked focused, being their most creative self, expressive and happy!!!

I chatted with some of them and I liked how one can connect with each other through art! I liked to hear how people feel and express themselves and the exhibition was a great environment for people to do that!

Everyone became an artist there - reminds me of how Talya has been encouraging others (like me!) to embrace our creativity! I see Mind in the Mountains as a garden of beauty and creativity hehehe.

- Joyce, @enjoyce.studio

Photography by @sam_captures_

‘When I saw the live drawing the woman in Beauty from the Ashes, I was struck by her feet which seem well travelled. It is like she has been looking for something, and she finally finds it at the feet of Jesus. On one hand, she must have seen the beauty of the Lord that she willingly pours out her precious ointment. Yet, it is perhaps the fact that Jesus sees her for who she is, not what she can give, that melts her heart. Those weary little feet can now rest. They have found a home.

The live drawing, which took days to complete, made me think of the slow progress of life, of falling in love, stumbling, embracing and growing in love. It is the same with my relationship with God. I can't rush it and just demand perfection overnight. He is the artist and I am the canvas. My part is to give him space for him to draw.

Every stroke, even the randomest and the one that doesn't make sense at first, forms a beautiful image in his time. If the canvas judges the artist prematurely and refuses to be drawn on, the artwork will never come to light. Even the incomplete image in its various stages can be enjoyed in its own right, just like how life can be very beautiful once we learn to enjoy the process.

Kudos to Talya and the entire team for the brilliant concept and unique experience. The whole space was stunning, grace-filled and thought provoking!’

- Johannes Tjendro, @preachitbaldy