Sound Wall and Self-Playing Instrument

Self-Playing Instrument:

Oak apples attached to clock motors strike the lead crystal glass-ware at two-second intervals creating an endless rhythm. The mechanisms (battery powered 1.5 v ) are arranged on a beech-wood branch, the canopies are coated with copper. Oak apples are formed on oak trees by the larvae parasitic wasp, Biorhiza Pallida, providing a shelter and a food supply while the wasp develops.

Soundwall:

The composition was constructed using recordings of self-playing instruments attached to trees, with the sounds of bird life to accompany the ambient rhythms.The instruments were made with oak apples attached to clock motors which strike crystal glassware creating continuous music. The Oak Apple Instruments were then set up in a chapel in Stourbridge and accompanied by a church organ. Played by David Mearman, this part of the composition was inspired by the melodic motifs found in birdsong. (played at different times during the day)

Artist - Paul Gittins,  based in Stourbridge, West Midlands. modernshadows.com

Exhibited at The Collection in our Orientation Hall until 14th January 2018