Saw Waves: Juneau Projects
Date uploaded: February 25, 2016
Saw Waves, a new commission by artists and musicians Juneau Projects has been launched and employs digital technology to create a new audio artwork illuminating the historic role of Baltic Wharf in Totnes.
Inspired by conversations the artists had with river pilots who guided ships bringing timber from the Baltic up the river Dart to Reeves' Timber Yard - today the Baltic Wharf boatyard and site of new housing currently under construction by Bloor Homes. The title Saw Waves refers to basic sound wave forms, so-called because of their sawtooth-like shape.
The song was composed on Juneau Projects' custom instruments - audio controllers built from arcade machine buttons and joysticks housed in laser cut perspex and ply bodies and was performed at an event at Drift Records in Totnes, on Friday 12th February.
For the commission Juneau Projects have also created two sculptural 'download points' at Baltic Wharf, where people will be able to download the new piece of music for free onto a USB memory stick. The download points will be on show until May and can be found in the Bloor Homes show home garden at Baltic Wharf, and on the lower footpath leading to Sharpham behind Baltic Wharf, which has lovely views across the Dart.
The download points combine the new and the old, and were inspired by the artists' interest in roadside shrines. The points function as a kind of non-religious pilgrimage site because the music can only be sourced by visiting Baltic Wharf. The work reflects upon the ease with which music can now be downloaded – people must invest time to visit the site that has inspired the song.
Juneau Projects was initiated in 2001 by Birmingham-based artists Ben Sadler and Philip Duckworth. Together they make collaborative artwork, sculpture, painting, sound, installation, animation and robotics. They have previously been commissioned by Tate Britain, Grizedale Arts, Tatton Park Biennial and Locws International in Swansea. They write and perform music as Juneau Brothers, with Devonshire-born artist/musician Joseph Welden. This project is their first commission in the South West of England.
Saw Waves was commissioned by Baltic Wharf Arts, a programme of site specific art commissions at Baltic Wharf in Totnes. The project was funded by Arts Council England and Devon County Council, and organised with thanks to Drift Records and Bloor Homes. Other parts of the Baltic Wharf Arts programme are supported by Bloor Homes, site owners TQ9 and Awards for All.
To find out more about the Baltic Wharf Arts programme click here.
