Discussions with my group on a potential theme for our collaborative project gave rise to a common interest in spirituality. The similarities between human and nature show synchronicities (a term coined by the psychologist Carl Jung ‘pertaining to the coincidental occurrence of events that seem related but are not explained by conventional mechanisms of causality’) between various forms of life. This led us to form a graphical design that combined the rings found in tree stumps and in human fingerprints. In essence, this shows a oneness or a unity in the physiological make up of humans and nature. The Gaia Hypothesis comes to mind here, that proposes that ‘living organisms interact with their inorganic surroundings on Earth to form a synergistic and self-regulating, complex system that helps to maintain and perpetuate the conditions for life on the planet.’
The anima, according to Carl Jung is one side of the collective consciousness, namely the feminine energy that radiates within us, whilst in traditional philosophy it is the subconscious part of an individual compared to the persona as ones perceived personality. Yet they all point to what I feel is the same thing. The soul. And in a widespread sense this can be interpreted as the energy shared by all living things. The term Anima immediately divides this energy into two parts, suggesting perhaps that duality is a necessity to existence. Yet ancient forms of thought such as Zen buddhism focus on a paradigm shift from mind-body dualism in order to exist without dichotomies. Whilst open to interpretation I believe that a centred existence may be achieved through reconnecting with our fellow humans and the natural world around us, using this interconnectedness to potentially realise the fragments within our own personalities.
Much of my research has used Musique Concrete as a central focus, and I feel this marries well with the ways in which we can achieve such a non duality. Particularly, the works of Pauline Oliveros and her sonic meditations come to mind. When we allow ourselves to succumb to the poetic chaos of our surroundings, we give ourselves the opportunity to respond in a way that originates from our primal inner beings, without forethought as to what ‘should’ be done due to conditioning and appropriations. Moreover, Musique Concrete not only encourages spontaneity but actively promotes us to engage with our environment in new ways. It seems as if the path of discovery, within sound and spirituality share many common attributes.
With ancient practices in mind, such as taoist meditation, zen buddhism and Gu Qin aesthetics I aim to create a sound piece that advocates healing through togetherness over a backdrop of sounds that we associate with tranquility, experimenting with them in ways that allow for freedom within music.