SOUNDWALK RESPONSE:
1. Were you able to find places and spaces where you could really
listen? During the walk there were many places that I could clearly hear specific sounds. One of the most memorable sound I remember hearing was in the Union Parking structure. There was an area in the corner where you could hear the specific echoes coming from the ventilation system.
2. Was it possible to move without making a sound? Moving without making a sound, especially within a class group was almost impossible. Every step, and movement is heard.. especially with the wind blowing that day.
3. What happened when you plugged your ears, and then unplugged them? After plugging my ears, and then unplugging them, I felt like I heard more echo, and a deeper sound.
4. What types of sounds were you able to hear? List them. I heard a variety of sounds: footsteps, whispers, keys jingling, doors opening and closing, ventilation systems, water systems, jackets hitting against each other, car brakes, car acceleration.
5. Were you able to differentiate between sounds that had a
recognizable source and those sounds you could not place? I was usually able to tell the difference between sounds, but some specific sounds I wasn't able to differentiate were the furnace system vs. the water systems.
6. Were you able to differentiate human, mechanical, and natural sounds? Human sounds were definitely easier to differentiate between. I think it was easier for me to differentiate because I can relate to making these sounds and hearing them.
7. Were you able to detect subtleties, changes, or variations in the
ever present drone? I actually found the drone sounds most amazing. I enjoyed having to carefully listen to the change, and the certain patterns that would occur.
8. Extremely close sounds? Sounds coming from very far away? Extremely close sounds were easier to distinguish and clearer. Whereas sounds coming from far away were mysterious. You had to listen carefully and follow the direction of the sound to figure out what the exact sound was.
9. Were you able to intervene in the urban landscape and create your
own sounds by knocking on a resonant piece of metal, activating wind
chimes, etc.? One sound I specifically enjoyed creating, was changing different stomp patterns when passing over a sewage system. I liked how the echo could be changed depending on how hard my stomp was.
10. Do you feel you have a new understanding or appreciation of the
sounds of our contemporary landscape/cityscape? I definitely have more of an appreciation for sounds. Part of me feels as if I've neglected a lot of the sounds around me. Also, I feel as if i listen to sounds more now, not just as sounds, but as actions. The feeling of being able to picture things happening without actually seeing it, is amazing.
11. How do you think your soundwalk experience will affect your
practice as a media artist, if at all? I think that it has already affected me personally. I feel as if i know what to listen for, and what sounds I like hearing. To be able to differentiate the sounds, I can now pick and choose where I want to record, and find what sound appeases me.
