Assessment Post: Second Semester, Stage 2.

"Sound is materially invisible but very visceral and emotive. It can define a space at the same time as it triggers a memory." - Susan Philipsz.

My entire practice this year revolved around a concept, combining sound art and landscapes, in an attempt to challenge myself as an artist. I had been wanting to experiment with sound as a project for a long time, and felt this was a necessary step forward in my practice. Much of my inspiration came from seeing Susan Philipsz's exhibition (A Single Voice) at the Baltic, but I was also heavily influenced by the work of John Cage, an experimental composer who appreciated all sounds, both natural and man-made, incorporating chance and indeterminacy into his work.

My practice began by attempting to illustrate sound visually, creating experimental notation and sound maps. Working with various mediums, such as printmaking, painting and performance, I began establishing interest in the psychological impact sound can have on a space. My practice started focusing more on sound itself, rather than attempts to visually illustrate it, and I began creating temporary installations in various locations, using field recordings of natural and man-made sounds present in the landscape.

Overall, this project has definitely challenged me creatively, putting me outside of my comfort zone and resulting in work that is drastically different from my previous practice. However, I feel that this project didn't meet the expectations of success I had originally envisioned, but it was a positive learning experience that has shown me what my creative limits are, and what concepts interest me as an artist. These valuable lessons should benefit me greatly when I return for stage 3.