The Sound Of The Woodland - Musical Photography
Have you ever wondered what your local Woodland sounds like?
Let me show you through my unique YouTube videos where I take you along a Photographic walk where we frame up compositions and listen to the vibrations of the trees I capture.
Did you know plants can count? They can even communicate with animals using sonar. The sound of a plant is like a clicking noise. It is so quiet only certain animals can hear it. During a live experiment the electrical shock waves used to control the plant can be seen in real time. Greg Gage a neuroscientist demonstrates this here in this video.
The Science
We can listen to the sound of the plant though science. Data sonification is the fascinating process of converting data into sound. Just as digital data can be transformed into images, it can also be translated into melodies. In this process, elements of an image, like brightness and position, are converted into different pitches and volumes. Matt Russo, an astronomer, explores the symphony of the cosmos, delving into the profound relationship between music and astronomy. But how does this technique apply to plants? I’ve discover the groundbreaking work of Regina Orchard, a leading researcher in plant-human communication, in her talk. In the video here, she shares her incredible journey in translating the language of plants into captivating music.
Various companies have introduced devices that use sonification to transform data from plants into harmonious music. These devices measure subtle changes in water within a plant and convert this data into musical pitches played by instruments. The pace at which a plant experiences these changes even determines the type of instrument it "plays."
This brings us to the ‘Music Of The Plants.’ I’ve had the unique opportunity to collaborate with them—a company that has developed several devices capable of capturing plant data and translating it into music. I rarely partner with other companies, but this one is exceptional; it opens a gateway to a new realm of communication with nature.
Curious to learn more? Head over to their blog section, filled with fascinating articles about ‘Plant Music.’ Here’s an excerpt from their website that delves into the history of their recording device:
‘‘Since the late 1970’s, in Italy, in the world-renowned cultural community known as Damanhur, a device was developed that can translate the electromagnetic impulse of the plants into melodies.
Damanhur was established in the Alpine foothills of northern Italy in 1978 and is populated in part by scientists, doctors, researchers and artists who dedicate their lives to understanding the function of Nature as a living, intelligent force.
For many years, Oberto Airaudi (Falco Tarassaco), founder of Damanhur, and his fellow researchers, analyzed bioelectric processes that are conducted by plants, trees and flowers. They discovered that the conductivity is a core indicator of the life force of plants generating key pathways for water, minerals, and other nutrients within trees and flowers.
They utilized different bio-feedbacks and devices to demonstrate the plant’s ability to interact with humans. Our most famous experiments are “the plant driving a small cart” and “the plant opening a door”.
After many years the researchers decided to focus on plant music. It was felt that music was the most direct and universal channel for making nature’s message understood by all.’’ - Music Of The Plants
Plants make noises, we just can’t hear them…
Scientists have recorded plants producing sounds in response to lack of water or having their stems damaged. Remarkably, these sounds are inaudible to the human ear but can be detected using specialized equipment. This fascinating discovery opens up new avenues for understanding plant behavior and stress responses.The ultrasonic pops occurred in rapid bursts, which differed depending on the type of stress the plant was experiencing. For instance, the sounds made due to water deprivation were distinct from those produced when the plant's stem was damaged. This variation in sound patterns could potentially help scientists develop ways to monitor plant health and stress levels more effectively. Check out the below video for further information. Source from the Natural History Museum.
Communication through sound and imagery provides my audience with a truly immersive experience to connect with nature and open people minds to a new concept. Nature speaks to us. Our images speak to us. People who enjoy being out in nature often promote the benefits of being outside amongst the trees and out in nature. But what does it really mean, and is there any science behind it? I think plant life in all forms of nature offers benefits to our bodies and our minds through vibrations and a web of communication we don’t fully understand. Science has shown that looking at imagery of nature has been shown to reduce cortisol (stress hormone). Maybe this is why we all love Nature & Landscape Photography? Here's is a helpful article which goes into more depth around Nature immersion and it’s benefits, backed by science and a number of reputable studies. Read more.
So if imagery has such a powerful impact, what if there is more going on that we can’t hear? Something on a very biological level which hasn’t yet been fully understood or studied. There is an interesting book called, ‘The Secret Life Of Plants’. In this book, scientist explore interesting experiments conducted with plants such as lie detector tests and explores the concept that plants have emotions. For ease of understanding, this TED talk here by Stefano Mancuso delves into the study of plant neurobiology, which explores signaling and communication at all levels of biological organization. So on this point I think plants have more ability and power than we think, they can also communicate with us in more ways than we will ever truly understand. The book may take the idea slightly too far, suggesting plants can read your thoughts. Some of the studies have been disputed but it’s a playful concept which gives us food for thought
So what have I created?
Allow me to introduce my latest project, ‘The Sound Of The Woodland’. This venture aims to immerse you in the serene beauty of nature through my YouTube videos and Landscape Photography. Utilizing cutting-edge technology from ‘Music Of The Plants’, I’m crafting interactive musical imagery that I plan to showcase at various exhibition center’s and talks across the UK.
Curious about my artworks? I sell framed art which plays the sound of the photograph. Each print will be meticulously framed to high-quality standard, perfect for displaying in your home. Alongside each piece, you’ll receive an MP3 recording—capturing the unique sounds of the plants, trees, or foliage depicted. Play this auditory wonder via your phone or Bluetooth device.
My long-term vision includes creating frames that play music at the touch of a button, a goal that will require some practice in welding and circuit board assembly. The essence of this project is for you to sit back and experience the sound of the photograph. This blend of sound and imagery is designed to offer immediate stress relief and spark creativity, all from the comfort of your home. I understand that not everyone can venture into the heart of the woodland due to disabilities, personal circumstances, or simply a lack of energy or time. My mission is to bring the enchanting sights and sounds of nature right to your doorstep. Through this project, I hope to offer a new perspective, revealing the profound impact that nature’s beauty can have on our wellbeing.
