Trying to Relate

Since 2014 (with a break from 2018-21 and resuming in 2022), I have been exploring ceramic sound sculptures. This work includes whistling water vessels, many flutes, and wall-mounted instruments. Through these interactive sound objects, I am exploring ideas around communication, interaction, and how people relate to each other. 

People are accustomed to approaching traditionally functional ceramic objects and handling them intimately, holding them close to the body and face. Now that this material has taken on a different form and function, the intimacy of contact and use does not come as easily. There is also an element of the taboo, as in gallery spaces we are so often told, “Do Not Touch.” And yet, these objects are not fully realized until they are handled by viewers. The display of this work results in layers of interaction between the viewers and the objects. 

At present, I am investigating flute-like pieces that are activated by at least two and up to five - or more - players simultaneously. The form of each piece dictates how a person must interact with it, and involving multiple people allows me as the artist to control their movements - where bodies must be in relation to the piece, where lips and fingers come into contact with it, and how the bodies around the piece must consider each other in space.

Videos demonstrating sounds are below, and new videos will be added periodically.