The initial idea for a performance-based archive was to create a library of orchestral music performed principally by young musicians. However, as it has developed, the intent of the archive has expanded to incorporate documented works from other creative areas including photography, art and broad range of video clips.   

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But to to begin at the beginning.  

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Acknowledging its capacity to sooth the savage breast,  music emerges from the remarkable talents of those who create and perform it and, from a filmmaker's perspective, the dimension that music can add to visual experience is virtully limitless. 

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In 1976 I made an experimental documentary based on the Australian Christmas carols of John Wheeler and William James; this film, Australian Christmas with baritone James Pegler, was aired on the ABC for two consecutive Christmas seasons. Sadly, Jim died of heart complications far too early in life. Over time, this has prompted me to think about a means of preserving such a talent at a time when so much of our current technology didn't exist. In 2001, I made another music-based program, Inside the Australian Ballet, which was also aired on the ABC and internationally. The interest generated by these two programs in particular was the stimulus for me to make other music-relate productions. 

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More recently, while studying at WAAPA in Perth, I had the rare opportunity to film local orchestras, soloists and visiting international performers full-time for four years. From this study emerged a library of some 200 hours of interviews, rehearsals and performances, and a documentary program, The Musicians. 

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Most of these performances are one-off, and my recordings of them are the only ones in existence. The footage contains many creditable performances by young WA musicians as an established and high quality symphony orchestra, and as they accompany professional artists. It also exemplifies the vision and drive of the experienced conductors and others who make it all happen. For these reasons alone, the material is worthy of preservation in a format that can be readily accessed by anyone. A web-based archive would ideally serve this purpose, so a more comprehensive  ZEN ARTWORX has come into existence. 

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I trust that you enjoy exploring  this material.   

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Bob Hardie, March  2018