The Art of Located Sound

Field recording with omnidirectional mics (mounted on a coat-hanger)
 at West Dean College

In an attempt to tune into more-than-human sounds and signals (and maybe even record some usable audio material) I've been on a field recording course run by the brilliant Jez riley French at West Dean College.

Field Recording - The Art of Located Sound was an intensive, practical introduction to sound art with a focus on listening and intuitive approaches rather than technical mastery. That said, I managed to try out omnidirectional, parabolic and contact mics as well as a hydrophone and an electromagnetic coil. I learned the basics of making a good quality field recordings and came away with a whole list of artists, kit, software and ideas to follow up. 

I'm starting to think more deeply about the audio elements of the artist moving image work I'm making with Megan Calver as part of my ACE-funded professional development.  The subject of our film, Alec Harley Reeves, developed a World War II radio navigation system that guided pilots to their targets by sound alone - so paying keen attention to the audio elements of the work feels important.

It was a challenging weekend, but I've learnt so much. I first came to West Dean a couple of decades ago when I was trying out lots of different art processes ahead of embarking on a fine art degree. I loved it then and I love it still. Thanks to the Edward James Foundation, artists and art students are able to study in the extraordinary setting of the West Dean Estate.  It was a treat to return to these idyllic surroundings and open my ears to them - from bird song and passing planes to singing fences and crackling grass clippings.