Kathrin uses the manual manipulation of photodiodes over moving “tracks” of a variety of sewn fabric to generate rhythmic droning passages. The movement of several of the fabric tracks, at different speeds, directions, lengths, and composition makes this fascinating to watch and listen too. I for one am looking forward to what Kathrin does next.
fabricmachine from Kathrin Stumreich on Vimeo.
From Kathrin’s website:
The instrument
Two fabric loops, driven by a motor divide space. At certain points there are light sensors installed to receive signals, which get translated in audio signals.
Musicality and design
Fabrics which differ in their weaving technique, are sewed one after another (each loop consists of 196 inch length, with a width of 4,2 inch), creating a fabric track.
The basic parameters which take influence on the sound generation and can be chosen by playing consist of the following:
The frequency ( Hertz) or tone pitch is created by the quality of the fabric, weaving tecnique, basically this is the amount of threads interrupting the light per second. For example very transparent fabrics like silkchiffon create breaks.
Breaks and Rhythm are due to the seam, and the length of each sort of fabric, as well as to the performer
The arrangement of the fabrics in aspects of lenght,quality and the connecting seams are additive parameters for composing a rhythm or a flowing change of the tone pitch (frequency).
The information the lightsensor detects gets transformed into the acoustic signal, which gets amplified and sent to loudspeakers.
Engineering FeaturesThe object that runs the loop is a movable construction and can be taken anywhere.
It works as an instrument as well as a standing alone (interactive) sound art installation.The musicality of the instrument can be experienced by sliding or positioning the sensor across the tracks on the installed amatur.