Unlike many electronic instruments, the Sound Lathe produces a unique wooden object at the end of each performance. This object serves as a memory of the performance, slightly faulty and incomplete as it represents the conclusion rather than an accurate recording of the process.

Log to Leg performance -
This is based on a traditional 'race' in which turners compete to produce the perfect legs from logs.

The performance starts with the splitting of a log with an axe and then the shaping of the resulting quarters of wood, amplified via contact microphones and processed via custom software the ripping and rendering noise signifies the start of the raw wood's journey to a shaped object, ready for the lathe. where it will be carved into a leg.

The Sound Lathe uses a video input and a muio interface (muio.org) to convert the shape carved into the wood into digital signals that generate audio within custom software written in MAX/MSP. The shape of the audio waves produced is directly related to the shape turned on the Lathe. The pulse of Lathe being used is sensed as the wood-turner pumps the drive pedal, this is converted to a midi clock pulse which is passed to custom written sequencing software written in SuperCollider.


Work in progress in the rain at Love Bytes, Edale visitor centre 2007


Interview with Owls with Sound Lathe @ SHARE festival, Italy, 2008


1st sound Lathe performance @ Cornerhouse Manchester 2005


1st sound Lathe performance @ Cornerhouse Manchester 2005


Testing sensors in studio





1st sound Lathe performance @ Cornerhouse Manchester 2005

Sound Chair - Owl Project in Edale 2007
This specially commissioned project explores the relationship between the crafting of physical objects and the shaping of sound. The Owl Project's 'Sound Lathe' is a unique audio instrument based on a traditional green wood turning pole lathe. Working with Mike Abbott, a leading UK professional wood-turner.

Final Performance at Bloc Space www.blocspace.co.uk

Mike Abbotts workshop /www.living-wood.co.uk/

Mike Abbotts workshop /www.living-wood.co.uk/

The process begins in Edale in the Peak District where the Sound Lathe will be demonstrated and the components of the chair will be created over three days. As part of this process the Owl Project will compose a new audio work based on the shaping of the chair. The sound itself will eventually be embedded permanently within the finished chair to create a tactile and sonic record of the creative process.

http://festival2007.lovebytes.org.uk/event.php?ref=13140001-Sound-Chair


As part of the project we spent a weekend on a Living Wood course, Mike Abbott, living in the woods with no electricity. It was great and we recommend it! They run between May and September and last between 3 and 9 days (see course programme for details). These courses have gained an international repute attracting participants from as far afield as Scandinavia, the USA, Japan and New Zealand. The courses are normally limited to seven participants with two capable assistants working alongside Mike. This level of individual attention means that all courses are suitable for all levels of experience from complete beginners to seasoned experts. /www.living-wood.co.uk/




Mike Abbott and the owl project at Moorland Centre, Edale, finishing the chair.


making recordings of the pole.










The Sound Chair

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