During the Laboratory Artist-in-Residence program, I explored the urban noise pollution to extend its boundary from a waste to a resourceful element. Each one of the Twig(s) series works with different time and space in the city, Spokane, Washington. The aural exploration of the city was one of the purposes of beginning this project. Also I expected to alleviate the stress of office workers by helping them experience the natural movement of the wooden sticks, which are generated by the urban noises.

 

Firstly, I collected the sounds of the city in a digital file format. Then, having the collected sounds and organized materials which emit a comfortable sound, I used my coding algorithm that controlled a servo-motor behind the wooden panel. Finally, the servo-motor moved its appendage which in turn shook a spring that made the wooden sticks move.

 

This artwork is based on the research into the relationships between nature and urban area, and their impact on physical and psychological health in a community. The research has influenced the range of colors, shapes and materials. As you can see in the video clip, wooden sticks make fortuitous movements. I hope that this nature-urban-health related project will further my research interests in human cognition and health.​

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