Landing
After 2021, I participated in my inaugural international artist residency outside the UK with AqTushetii. Throughout my two-week stay in the Georgian mountains of Tusheti, I engaged in the 'Crossing into the Electric Magnetic' series of workshops. These sessions focused on experimental music production, incorporating theoretical, technical, conceptual, hands-on, and unconventional exercises and methods. As the residency drew to a close, a group of musicians and sound artists, including myself, showcased a performance that employed the skills and techniques acquired during the workshops—spanning field recording, sound study, mixing and mastering, alternative tuning, and tape collage methods. I presented my composition 'Landing' accompanied by programmed visuals and collaborated on other sonic projects, contributing visuals to complement various performances.
Participating in fieldwork outside my home country significantly motivated my involvement in this residency. During field recording excursions, I employed various recording techniques and devices, including hydrophones, omnidirectional microphones, electromagnetic pickups, and geophones, to explore the vast sonic realms within the mountainscapes. Immersing myself in Tusheti's rich culture, I delved into its history, traditions, and crafts, gaining insights into regional skills such as traditional knitting, natural dyeing, ceramics, and wine-making.
A guiding principle at AqTushetii is that "each person who steps into AqTushetii is encouraged to contribute back to the building somehow." Inspired by this ethos, I conducted a series of creative coding workshops. Opting for Processing due to its open-source nature, accessibility, and suitability for beginners, I navigated my first experience leading a workshop. This endeavour gave me a fresh perspective on communicating with participants and listening to their input. The workshop proved to be a valuable experience, enhancing my confidence in public speaking and presenting my knowledge to individuals beyond my field.
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