Site into sound : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Fine Arts at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand

Abstract

Sound, space and perception are expansive areas of enquiry, which I connect together through a creative investigation into location, sensory experience and interrelationship within a wider ecosystem. Using an abstract mapping process, audio recordings have been gathered from three spatial/acoustic locations: liquid space, ground level and atmosphere. Many sites have been selected for their ecological or historical significance. Photography has also been utilised to form a multisensory and multi-disciplinary approach to research. Different cultural meanings of landscape have been considered, exploring how this has the potential to precipitate new relationships and a deeper understanding of ourselves, others and the environment. Since any direct experience that takes place within the environment occurs using my own bodily-sensory perceptions, this enquiry is viewed from a personal perspective that comes with a degree of subjectivity.