The Rhyhmalites and the Tides of You

The Rhythmalites and the waves of you, 2025

Custom turntable, piezo microphone, 3 cultivated salt crystal glass discs, salvaged Celtic boat ribs, effects processor unit + 4 speakers.

The work considers human and more than human rhythms. The piezo microphone scores the salt terrain by way of an acupuncture needle, amplifying and translating the material textures into sonic landscape; its passage of rhythm echoing cycles of breath as the needle halts and releases across the discs rotation. Quadraphonic panning mirrors the rotation of the salt disc into the surrounding space, orbiting the actions of the work; occupying its voice and scaling the experience of listening in.

Calling upon the earliest geological data sets that capture lunar, solar and tidal cycles within rock strata; the work's own rotational arc across a day has been determined by variations across Earth's early tidal record. A moment of serendipity is revealed as the counter clockwise rotation of the salt disc interplays with the two static discs that shift perceptions of motion; giving the illusion that these too are in a cycle of rotation despite their resting stillness.

The collection of paleo-tidal source data was conducted in partnership with the Oceanography department at Bangor University on a research trip to the Pembrokeshire coast in 2022. The work has been supported by Arts Council of Wales, Plas Glyn y Weddw, Bangor University, Halen Mon, Pervasive Media, Aberystwyth University and studioMADE.

Technologist Chris Ball

At Galon y Gwir/ (To the) Heart of the Matter, Angela Davies Exhibition Oriel Plas Glyn y Weddw, Llanbedrog, Wales 20th July - 5th October 2025