I like how geo-location of the sound recordings gives them a context. I am also a fan of field recordings – I think they are more consuming / gripping than watching a video online.

I chose 60 seconds as a loose theme / template for my sound recordings – allowing the actual sonic content to vary wildly whilst still giving the project a backbone, or form factor.

Some of my favourite ‘boos:

and more on my AudioBoo profile here.

I am fascinated by sound and how it can trigger memory – I don’t think it’s as evocative as smells can be but it’s easier to record + reproduce, and AudioBoo provided me with a quick and convenient way to start this project.

After starting the 60second project I found out about the UK sound map project – led by the British Library and the Noise Futures Network. I started adding my recordings to the sound map – you can add yours by adding the #uksm tag to your ‘boos.

I presented the 60 second project at TEDxLeeds in November 2010.

Created as part of a series of workshops I devised + led with photographer Mike Stephens at Fred Longworth High School, Tyldesley, Manchester. Part of the Creative Partnerships scheme, we were asked to include aspects of both art and science into the workshops – with the aim of engaging the pupils with different teaching techniques / methods.

I find practical exercises help me to learn. I wanted to make a box that would help the pupils understand the nature of additive colour mixing – so they could learn the theory and experience the results through experimentation.

Each potentiometer controls the brightness of an LED (red, green or blue). Values for each potentiometer are shown on the LCD display. Colours are mixed by taking values and lighting up an RGB LED accordingly.

The RGBB project proved a hit with both pupils and teachers – and I ended up making 3 of the boxes to leave with the school to use in later lessons.

More detail

Make your own

Schematic: RGBB circuit diagram

Arduino code: link

Project box laser files available upon request, or design + make your own!