splint (the soul of wood)

from a series of three 3″ cds, each created using only the sound of a single modernist design object – a leg splint designed by charles and ray eames, a lamp designed by george nelson, and a metal chair designed by harry bertoia. i suppose the initial ideas came from “strumming” these things as i passed them in our apartment on a daily basis as well as the notion of wondering weather bertoia even played one of his chairs. “every sound on this recording was generated by rubbing, bowing, plucking, and scratching a 1943 molded plywood leg splint designed by charles eames. some of the sounds were recorded directly to tape, others were manipulated and processed electronically. no other objects, instruments, or sound generators were used in the making of this recording. the eames splint has always been considered an icon of ingenuity and modern design. after appreciating it’s visual qualtities for a few months as it hung on our living room wall, i decided to take it down and try to explore it as an ‘instrument’. i used my hands, mallets, brushes, and a violin bow.” Absolutely no other objects, instruments, or sound generators were used in the making of this recording. Recorded at Starfish Studios - l'étoile de mer. A Head Of Bees is dedicated to Steve Peters. Contact mics carefully constructed by Unique Ancient Tavern.