Embroidered Sound Waves

This series of projects began as an investigation into how digital information could be translated into physical pattern. I began working with audio files that were captured from video footage taken in rural Southwestern Virginia. I was particularly interested in experimenting with audio files that captured the accent and dialect of the region. I began to think about the spoken words visually, in terms of barriers or landscapes that mark a specific territory. Different accents produce different waveforms and therefore designate geographic variances. By stitching the audio files into a physical pattern the historical relationship between digital and analog information is reversed. These textiles act like antiquated recording devices.   It is impossible to read or understand the information simply by viewing the patterns, however by listening to the audio clips while visually tracing the form, a new kind of viewing experience is established.  

Hand stitched soundwaves hanging on clothesline

Embroidery floss on digital prints

Hand stitched soundwaves hanging on clothesline

Embroidery floss on digital prints

Hand stitched soundwaves hanging on clothesline

Embroidery floss on digital prints

The photographic prints are constructed out of digital scans of fabric from my wardrobe. As with traditional patchwork, this digital method stitches together fragments from diverse source material. After embroidering the first complete phrase of audio files, I realized that I wanted to organize the sound waves through some kind of a visual system rather than randomly choosing colors. I began organizing the digital scans within a spectrum of color. This visual system would ultimately serve as a key. I created an archive of embroidered sound waves that also became a spectrum of color.   Above each embroidered sound wave is a CD containing the audio clip.     

Clothing spectrum created from digital scans of personal wardrobe

Installation in progress

Detail of audio CD's

Detail of embroidered "Dogs" sound wave

Detail of embroidered "JoAnne Perkins births a calf" sound wave

Studio installation view