After 23: Conversations on Direction
After 23 is an audio documentary that expresses the outlook of nine young adults looking for direction in today's complicated society. A sound composition accompanies the voices, created entirely using the audio recorded during the interview process. This work was created as part of Carlin's requirements for her degree at Emerson. Run time: 22:52.
Click here for project:
After 23: Conversations on Direction.mp3
ARTIST'S STATEMENT
The project is based upon the idea of sound as a vector, constantly moving forward through time and space. In the work, I drew a correlation between the concept of forward motion in sound/art and the directions we choose as artists and young adults in finding the next step in life whether it be through time, through space, or through life’s decisions.
The project is an abstract audio documentary in that it uses documented sound in a non-traditional way as paired with a more musical composition with roots in sound art. I used the audio from conversations I conducted with young adults on how they choose their next step, and what drives or motivates the decisions they make. I also included how people evaluate their success at certain points in life and what role that plays in contentment to stay or move ahead. I organized their responses and selected segments of speech that I used to create a narrative with a common undercurrent regarding their emotional outlook, but in a way that highlighted the differences between each participant. Next I analyzed their speech in the recording, and composed an accompanying sound art composition based upon similar characteristics, attributes and meanings that were embedded in the responses they gave. The composition material became their individual voices. The interviews are sewn together to create a collection of abstract narrative pieces that reflect the nature with which we look forward to the future.
[Credits] Thank you to all participants: Victor Pontes-Macedo, Doug Luther, Anastazyia Vareschi, Ginger Marley, Robin Hoyt, Charles Philbrick, Carly Brown, Barron Wernick, Meena Sajwani, Peter Weathers, and Brittany Shoot. Thanks also to Nick Haynes for recording, and to Jeff Talman, Pierre Archambault, and Christine Dehne for guidance and support.
Additional links:
After 23: Promotional Video (Video Teaser)
After 23 for SCAT TV: Video clip that was aired on Sommerville Cable Access TV, June 6, 2006
posted by carlin media @ 5:49 PM
3 Comments:
this is genius...
nothing records needs you :)
(and you sure did right by me; thanks :) )
You know this is my favorite non-interactive work from our program this year, and you know I was thrilled to be a part of it. But it's even cooler that you put it up here so everyone can hear it and be wildly impressed. Hoorah!
So I finally sat down and listened to this. Oh, man.
My first reaction, when the piece ended, was goosebumps. Immediately. The ending is sharp and...I don't know...it's such a wonderful choice for an ending.
I took some notes, so this may be a bit to read, but here are some things that struck me:
Excellent transitions. I enjoyed places like, "I'd kinda like just to see what's gonna happen" and "moving forward..." and the outburst of "I hate your questions!" I noticed many main themes dicussed by almost everybody (assuming due to the questions you asked during the interviews, so excellent work on asking good questions) are fairly applicable to most people in our age group ("it's all about money," plans, goals, not knowing what's ahead but relatively excited about life, looking forward to doing something meaningful, etc) and well composed. My experience as I listened to the interviewees went from empathetic to feeling encouarged, because of the way you laid out their aspirations, followed by their enthusiasm to tackle life. The interview content is well composed and organized, and I can't even being to tell you how incredible the background vocal-music composition is. It is clear how much energy you spent on sculpting each second of this project and it just came together so beautifully.
A few things that were said that stuck with me, mostly because I relate, or it was well-said: "guy in front of you is going to stop short.." "I'm 24 and I feel just like a waste." "I'm not going t o assume I'm going to get it done until I do it." (was that Brittany?)
This is an amazing piece, Carlin. I am extremely impressed and hope that there is a way for you to share this with as many people as you possibly can. You're getting a big hug next time I see you.
Post a Comment
<< Home