Last year [2008] I came up with the idea of creating soundscapes – little impromptu sound recordings captured during my travels, and around my home, accompanied by my photographs. I created 3 series, the first was set in amsterdam, my then-new home; the second in Paris while I was photographing my upcoming book; and the third in Sydney while I was there visiting my family in August 2008.
The soundscapes were a roaring success, with the finale for series 3, getting a whopping 90 incredibly moving comments, including many emails for CD requests!
I love making the soundscapes so I will begin posting a new series soon, but in the meantime, I just wanted to re-post one of my personal favourites below: this is what it sounds like on our houseboat. Now that Spring has arrived, I have some windows open to let in the beautiful light, and I am so pleased to notice that this soundscape is exactly what it sounds and looks like to be in here – birds singing in the trees high above, swans visiting through the window, and the odd city noise.
Please enjoy…
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repost: soundscape series finale: living on a houseboat, part two – the end…
well folks, this little sound project has been alot of fun. There is certainly something special about looking at still images and listening to sound, isn’t there? It’s quite different to watching a moving picture. While I’ve been making these posts, I’ve been thinking – how would this differ if I used a video camera? It just wouldn’t be the same. It has taken me back to my Uni days when I was studying time based art, although then my focus was making short films with the now vintage technology of 16mm, however I did experiment a little with still images in film-style sequences and I really enjoyed it – so here I am again it seems, rekindling an old flame.
If you have enjoyed this series do not fret, I will be back with more, albeit spontaneously, over the months to come – this week’s series was just a taste to see how you liked it & to see how it might work on the blog medium. And I think it is unanimous that we all love the idea, is that right? so I’ll be sure to keep it as a regular feature. I can think of so many wonderful soundscapes to capture – living in a foreign land, listening to foreign voices, befriending foreign water creatures… the creative possibilities are endless.
But today, on our series finale, I thought you might like to hear what life sounds like for me on the houseboat. While part one was a glimpse of life on the canal when it rains, this little piece captures the essence of my days here – I feel a bit like I am living on noah’s ark, except that instead of the animals living on the boat, they live around the boat and come to visit me regularly. Can you believe this is in the middle of a city? I cannot.
So come on in and follow me…
let’s open a window…
and have a listen. Enjoy…
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Thank you everyone for visiting. It is such a pleasure to share my creative endeavors with you on a daily basis. You have become my muse. Thanks to you, who knows what I shall create next…
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(to listen to more soundscapes, please click here)
Oh my goodness – this is just beautiful – I listened to your soundscape about 10 times – and the gorgeous photos really convey the stunning serenity of it all! Thank you.
PS What did you use to record the soundscape?
March 21st, 2009 | #
So beautiful…ahhhh spring!
March 21st, 2009 | #
What a profoundly beautiful idea. The web has so many possibilities. Thanks for sharing this.
This one’s going to be hard to explain to my Luddite of a husband but I think he’ll enjoy it. My son’s name is Noah.
March 21st, 2009 | #
I caught one of your photos today over on Leslie-Miles, did you see it? I recognised the mini milk bottles, I have my own collection from the same source I’m sure! I love your spring soundscape – it sounded exactly like my own peacefuly day today at the Hortus – also inspired by your blog! Happy spring :o)
March 22nd, 2009 | #
Thank you for sharing……it is always a pleasure to visit.
March 22nd, 2009 | #
That was magic! I’m going to go catch up on your other soundscapes. Yes, more please 🙂
March 23rd, 2009 | #
Wow it really transports you! I love it!
March 25th, 2009 | #
hi samantha! thank you so much – i’m so so pleased to hear that you enjoy the soundscapes! i use a rather complicated bit of recording machinery that Romain (aka French Boy) uses to record his guitar. At this stage it’s too difficult to explain how it’s all done (i don’t even get it!!), but we are looking into a simpler recording method so I can share how it’s made.
Zoë, I had no idea one of my images was on Leslie-Miles, thanks so much for letting me know – so funny that we have the same milk bottle collection!
Thanks guys, your comments always make my day.
xx
March 27th, 2009 | #
I loved this. It just makes you stop and take in the moment. You are incredibly talented. I bought your book and it has inspired me to want to go to paris. That is right after Ireland. thank-you for sharing
July 19th, 2009 | #
Thank you for sharing this. I really love this project of yours.
The images and sound are so beautiful. It feels as if I am there myself!
January 21st, 2010 | #