#03 Valency : Participants : David Bloor

'Nontraditional Activation Method'

Chemistry is fundamentally the interaction of energy and matter. Chemical reactions require energy in one form or another to proceed: chemistry stops as the temperature approaches absolute zero. Chemists have only limited control, however, over the nature of this interaction. In large part, the properties of a specific energy source determine the course of a chemical reaction.

Ultrasonic irradiation differs from traditional energy sources (such as heat, light or ionizing radiation) in duration, pressure and energy per molecule. The immense local temperatures and pressures together with the extraordinary heating and cooling rates generated by cavitation bubble collapse mean that ultrasound provides a unique mechanism for generating high energy chemistry.

For Valency I was interested in exploring ultrasound as a means to vibrate a set of cymbals. Modular synthesis is an interesting tool for studying a range of subjects, including physics, mathematics, cybernetics and chaos theory. You’re not limited to producing audible frequencies or logical, linear processes.?? A cymbal displays non-linear behavior in sound production, fundamental frequencies, harmonics and inaudible frequencies that can be felt all play a part in how we experience sound.

David Bloor is an artist and musician interested in how people respond to limitations, each other and their environment. His work includes installation, performance and recordings under the name 'Dirch Blewn' with releases for labels 'Linear Obsessional', London and 'Game of Life', Athens and a forthcoming release on 'Soft Error'.

He works with kinetic sculpture, analog assemblage, modular synthesisers and a self built, 63 channel, 8bit, surround sound, off grid recording studio which forms the basis of '24hr Community Composition' which will be at Sanctuary Lab 2017 in the Galloway Forest. He is currently an APT graduate studio award winner and co curating the APT summer exhibition - 'Touchstone'.

Website: David Bloor