Martello Mix is a byproduct of my collaboration with sculptor Karen McCoy, in a project currently on view at Sculpture Key West (January 18-April 18, 2009). The piece will be on display in the West Martello Tower, a Civil War era fort which is now a lush public garden, and which holds several site-specific pieces by different artists.
Karen is fabricating ear trumpets out of natural materials from the immediate region, and they will be mounted for “deep listening” of the sonic environment. By their special nature — beautiful forms using unusual materials — they draw one into the act of close contemplation of both what one sees and hears in a place.
I’ve been walking the site over the week, recording sounds that strike me, and helping Karen identify possible spots for ear trumpet installation. A few photographs of spots I’ve recorded in the Martello are included on this page. Back in our temporary apartment, I’ve created this acousmatic piece with the simplest software on my laptop. It is part documentary, part tone poem. If you’re coming to Key West, it’s a little sonic dream which may help you direct your listening on site. Or if you’ve already been to the Martello, it will be a souvenir. And if you can’t make it here, it will still give you a sense of place, however slight.
This piece is available either as live streaming, or downloadable as a free MP3 file. Follow the link for either. If you wish a higher quality AIF version, please contact me at carl@hartford.edu, and a signed, limited edition CD can be sent to you, for a modest fee.
The Wallace Stevens poem mentioned in the text is “The Idea of Order at Key West.” You can find it in any collection, and on numerous internet sites. It also has a very personal connection for me, as I live in Hartford Connecticut, the poet’s hometown, and bicycle by his house often on the way to work.
My deep appreciation goes to my friend and colleague Ken Steen, for his expertise and generosity in setting up this webpage.
Karen and I hope you come to Key West, Florida, and enjoy this beautiful place, and all the wonderful art which has blossomed in it for the season.
Enjoy,
Robert Carl
January 18, 2009
