Art & Art History ETDs

Publication Date

1-13-1975

Abstract

An environment is defined by the energies introduced or naturally occuring in its space, and I intend to show that the energy of sound has the capacity to develop and control space as effectively as any visual element. Sound and environment are described in the opening sections of the paper as are certain ways in which sound may function in a physical manner. These descriptions are further supported by consideration of the components of sound, like vibration, and by presenting various activities of sound I have discovered in my musical devices. These activities are resonant conduction, contact vibration, and sympathetic vibration.

Given the components and the resonant activities of sound, the following sect.ions deal with the construction and modification of environmental space through the use of visual forms and acoustic energy. Relationships between sound and object and a discussion of some considerations of environmental design are developed. These concerns are:

A. The establishment of perimeters in the environment by movement of sound in a given space.

B. The role of the performance in environmental art.

C. Participatory involvement.

A final section on work by Francois and Bernard Baschet and a tape recorded interview with the sound sculptor, Stephan Von Huene, reinforce the information in the main body of the paper. Also included in the tape are recordings of the aeolian instruments that I built in the Winter and Spring of 1973. The musical effects should give the listener an idea of the resonant activities described earlier.

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Arts

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

UNM Department of Art and Art History

First Committee Member (Chair)

Charles Mattox

Second Committee Member

Petrus Woleh

Third Committee Member

Unknown

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