3A SOUNDWALK SERIES: Sonic Blooming by Crystal Cortez
International Rose Test Garden
May 15, 2022
Sonic Blooming is a guided meditation on the sound of movement, growth, and transformation in our environments both external and internal. At the time of year when the roses at the International Rose Test Garden are beginning to bloom, plants are generating extra energy. In this soundwalk Crystal has used a process called Biodata Sonification, attaching sensors to the plant's in the garden to collect their electrical impulses. She has translated these impulses into musical pitches and sound that make up half of the composition visitors will hear. The other half of the composition is made up of field recordings collected in the space. Soundwalkers will be able to listen to this soundscape via a weblink as they explore the garden. Crystal is working with web developers Michael Romay and Jena Boehm, who are creating a site that will host the music, instructions, and have a place where visitors can upload their own field recordings which will be integrated with the soundscapes over the course of the month.
Quick Facts
This soundwalk is separated into 5 tracks: one for each garden listed on the interactive map.
Each track is about 10 minutes long.
In its entirety, the soundwalk takes 50-60 minutes.
Crystal and web designers Michael Romay and Jena Boehm have developed an interactive webpage to host this soundwalk.
Click on the button below to access the soundwalk, maps, guides, and more!
