Ashton S. Phillips

Virtual Breakout During the Outbreak June 6th Livestream

Virtual BreakOut During the OutBreak Videos [VBODOBV] II

(im)Material Remains

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Proposed work as accepted for soundpedro 2020:
Grounding Place (San Pedro)

I would recreate a version of the concept proposed above using site-specific materials. For this version of the work, I would spend time in and around Angels Gate, including the cliffside and rocky shore along Abalone Cove gathering both organic and inorganic materials. Materials would likely include accumulations of the rounded rocks along San Pedro’s coastline, which create a complex tinkling sound when walked upon; chunks of asphalt and dirt collected from local construction sites; landscaping debris, including downed palm fronds and tree limbs; and discarded metal (e.g., downed signage and posts). I would then “play” and record these materials, using hand-held directional microphones, and collage these improvised percussive performances together. As in the first audio collage, my goal in layering these found/material-driven sounds together would be to create a complex web of interacting audio textures that help locate the listener in their body and larger material environment. 

A sculptural installation would also be created for the event using the “played” materials. As with the first version, I hope that using sound and material together in this way will facilitate a kind of multi-sensory “grounding” experience for the audience that opens up new perspectives on the incredible complexity of our immediate physical environment, including the most mundane objects we often devalue as “waste.”