Audio Kinetic Solar Sculpture
2004
The National Arboretum at Westonbirt
L. 1 - 1.5m approx
Steel, wire, electronics
The sculptures were suspended from the branches of the large Cedar of Lebanon in the Arboretum. The sculptures responded directly to the daily cycle of the sun. Sound and movement are produced by the action of plectrums positioned on the circular discs. These are rotated over wire strings by low voltage electric motors connected to solar sensors in the tree. The rotation of the discs and the sounds are proportional to changes in sunlight. Slight fluctuations cause limited passages of sound, whilst extensive fluctuations cause broad and prolonged passages of sound. The brighter the sunlight, the higher the register of the sound.