For my final project, I created a light and sound based metaphor to represent how increased activity and sensory inputs can lead to a heightened sense of chaos and distraction, while quiet and stillness can result in peace and calmness. The physical portion of my project draws on a representation of a beach that is illuminated with bioluminescent phytoplankton. This is a phenomena that can only be seen on the darkest of nights, where sensory input is at a minimum. However, the only way to trigger it is to create movement in the sand and/or water. This adds to the noticeability of the plankton and the excitement of the experience, but draws away from the surrounding peace of an empty beach at night. My project is meant to represent this dilemma through user input and triggered sounds/lights.
The piece itself consists of seven foil strips, each of which triggers a piano note and an exterior LED. In addition, it also includes four pools of water which trigger the sound of a water droplet and a submerged LED. Combined, these sounds could be used as a form of musical instrument in addition to the metaphorical representation which they serve.
Linked here is a video which shows the overall design, the construction process, and a brief demo of the piece itself: