Shannon Collis

At Intervals

At Intervals explores the sonic behaviors of different material surfaces when agitated by a variety of kinetic, mechanical devices. The project consists of simple systems that explore the expressive character of audible visual phenomena and the relationship between the drawing substrate, the printed mark, and sound. Small motors, wires, and other devices act as tools to etch the surface of steel plates, while contact microphones amplify the sonic activity.

In her work, Collis is investigating the interplay between the physical shape of a mark and its auditory manifestation. The resulting images are visual traces that reveal both the dense layering and subtle patterns of movement. These images are shown together alongside their related acoustic-mechanical devices. Both elements evolve through a series of stages, a process of translation, and exchange between artist and technologies.

Soundlines

This project marks the latest in a series of ongoing experiments, based on research into early drawn-sound techniques used for musical score analysis and sound-on-film technology. In this work, Collis is investigating the sensorial conjunction of sound and image, its potential in an interactive context, and how our senses apprehend and interpret audio-visual stimuli. She looks to expand on methods from a traditional practice by exploring the potential of drawing and gesture in emphasizing the materiality of sound.

In particular, this project will develop interesting ways to make audible the visual qualities of hand-generated marks, using an optical sound synthesizer that transforms rendered imagery (drawing as input) into sound. Participants will draw ink on a glass surface that covers a series of light-dependent resistors, generating differences in the incoming light to control the quality of diverse sounds. These drawings will modulate light, depending on particular characteristics (i.e. size, shape, opacity, etc.). The system allows participants to actively draft an improvised ‘visual score’ by applying and erasing medium on a transparent surface.

Soundlines Performance

This project develops interesting ways to make audible the visual qualities of hand-generated marks, using an optical sound synthesizer that transforms rendered imagery (drawing as input) into sound. Participants will draw ink on a glass surface that covers a series of light-dependent resistors, generating differences in the incoming light to control the qualityof diverse sounds. These drawings will modulate light, depending on particular characteristics (i.e. size, shape, opacity, etc.). The system allows participants to actively draft an improvised ‘visual score’ by applying and erasingmedium on a transparent surface.