Rituals of Remembering at Sound + Environment Symposium at Newcastle University
This September I was selected to present my work as part of the Sound + Environment Symposium at Newcastle University in the UK, Sept 4-6, 2025. Set-up to bring together researchers working across arts and scientists to explore the ways that sound can deepen our understanding of environments & the communities inhabiting them. Using sound for scientific and artistic exploration to inform and expand our knowledge of environments and our relationship to the world around us.
My proposal, entitled Rituals of Remembering: I Heard a Sound, was a discussion-based workshop in which I invited participants to consider "Solastalgia" or the grief/anxiety of a changing environment but specifically in the context of our sonic environment. The theme was largely inspired by things I learned in an online course I did earlier that year on the Handbook for Acoustic Ecology taught by its author, Composer & Professor Barry Truax, well known for his work with the World Soundscape Project.
We spoke about the sounds of both of our natural & constructed environments that have gone missing for one reason or another. The folks in the room represented many ages, disciplines, and geographical locations so we had a really beautiful and rich discussion. I organized much of my research and prompts in a small-edition zine with a riso printed cover which was a joy to make. I also shared some of my Chicago field recordings for the group. I do plan to write more on this experience one day soon.
One of my goals for 2025 was to present my work outside the US, so to lead this workshop and to be recognized by a really impressive group of artists, composers, researchers, and academics from all over who came together to present and perform their work for this symposium was a real dream.
Thank you Usue, Rob & the rest of the team for putting this amazing symposium together and for the platform to share my work this community. I am so grateful for this opportunity and the many interesting people I met. I look forward to working with them all again sometime soon!
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