Sonic Rhythms

2018 – present, collaboration with scientists and social scientists at the Toolik Field Station, Alaska, University of Alaska,  Abisko Research Station in Sweden. and the Urban Field Station in NYC.

The Sonic Rhythms series depicts the sounds of a changing planet due to climate change. Each piece contains a subterranean sound file (recorded by the artist onsite) coupled with a painting. The paintings were made while listening to the underground and subsurface sounds associated with them. The patterns and textures of the subterranean sounds were particularly influential in determining the movement, the color choices and the structure of the paintings.

Please use speakers or wear headphones for best sound quality.

River Ice      Fire 1    |   Fire 2     |    Permafrost Bog    |    Bay

River Ice Break-Up, Alaska

Press the play button to listen to the subsurface sound of river ice melting

60”x48”, ink and acrylic on paper and an mp3 sound file

The sounds are recorded inside the ice and waters of the Nenana River during the spring river ice break-up in the arctic.

Fire 1, Alaska

Press the play button to listen to the subsurface sound of fire.

Fairbanks, Alaska

60”x48”, ink and acrylic on paper and an mp3 sound file 

The audio is recorded inside an active fire.

Fire 2, Alaska

Press the play button to listen to the subsurface sound of fire

60”x48”, ink and acrylic on paper and an mp3 sound file

The sound is recorded inside a burning camp fire.

Stream

Press the play button to listen to the underwater sounds

Cherry Valley, NY

Please use speakers or wear headphones for the video.

This piece includes a painting, 60”x48”, ink and acrylic on canvas. When presented, the work is linked to a sound file via QR code. The file is two minutes long and is looped.

You can experience the two components together here by clicking on the play button.

Permafrost Bog, Sweden

Press the play button to listen to the subterranean sounds of methane bubbles

Abisko, Sweden

60”x48”, ink and acrylic on paper and an mp3 sound file

The sound file was recorded in a bog above thawing permafrost in arctic Sweden. You can hear the sound of methane bubbles popping as they escape from the thawing permafrost below.

Bay, New York City

Press the play button to listen to the subterranean sounds of the Bay

Narrow’s Bay, Bay Ridge, New York City

Six paintings, 12”x9” each, ink and acrylic on board and an mp3 audio file.