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== Awareness and movement in the phonetic garden (working tile) ==
'''project research'''


Cosmo Niklas Schüppel


[[File:Screenshot 2022-08-15 at 19.19.02.png|1500px]]


''conceptual''


''As a participatory sound installation the piece aims to guide the participator inwards into the awareness of their movement - at the same time as it guides the awareness back outwards into a connection with the surroundings.
== abstract ==
Phonetic garden (title shortened) opens the topic of humans relation to the world around them. In the human centred thinking of the Anthropocene, the fact that our behaviour has an effect on our surrounding - as blatantly obvious it is - is often overlooked. This lack of awareness about the consequences of our action - effecting all living beings, nature and other humans - is in my opinion the source of most of the suffering of our time. The work tries to shed light on this topic, taking a small step into a more empathetic future.''


The movement responsive sound installation ''awareness and movement in a phonetic garden'' is a speculative attempt to make the field of perception of a plant experienceable. The installation uses plants to measure the naturally occurring electromagnetic fields in the exhibition space. Through this, the self build measuring device can ‘sense’ humans because their natural electric field. Meaning, when a human enters the space, their natural electric fields has an impact on the one on the space.
Measuring electric potential is used as a reference to the fact that plants use electric signal for internal and external communication. Furthermore it opens up the speculative thesis, that plants might be electrosensitive beings.


The work tries to illustrate plants as sentient beings. To be a sentient being means to be able to perceive your surroundings. By this it aims to open the topic of subject/object relationships.
Plants are widely conceived as objects to be used and to be controlled. By giving them a 'voice', the installations shifts the awareness of the visitor, from passive and unresponsive, to an active and aware conception of the plants. In other words, the plant is seen as a being that is alive and that is able to see ‘me’.
By showing the sonification device openly and stylised - the plants steps into a symbiosis with it. The electronic device is used and is perceived as a bridge between human and plant. Technology functions as a translator between wo*mankind and nature - as an instrument for connection and interaction.


''setup''
For the sonification, a simple data-responsive sine wave is used. This sine wave is created with an Arduino and is modified with a analog spring reverb - usually to be found in vintage guitare amplifiers. This signal is amplified and played by a loudspeaker.
The whole device runs on a 9V battery, to not disturb the measuring of the electric fields. By using two 9V batteries, the device is portable and could be placed in nature or in a public space.


When the visitor enters the space they can observe a dimly lit room with plants spread around. Through the air vibrate fluctuations of soft sine-wave frequencies. As the visitor walks around and gets closer to the plants, they can realise that their movement changes the sounds that are created around them. In this setup they can discover how it feels to hear your own movement and to hear that your presence and behaviour changes the atmosphere around you. What the movement changes is quite simple: It is the electromagnetic field of the room (more to that further down). Why  and how it is changing is purposely not communicated coherently is the work. Instead it takes a speculative approach that stresses the fact that there is change. By leaving the Why open the work aims to start a process of discovering and questioning in the participators. By leaving the Why up to everyones own speculation the intuitive discovery of How is encouraged. Again the direction of the focus of discovering is guided inwards and outwards. Outwards into the relations with plants and sound. And inwards into the sensations that occur when ones own movement is clearly observed.




At the beginning of this process, I went out to find a way to measure how a plant can sense the world. Scientifically it is very well known that plants can adjust to different environmental factors, like heat, humidity, light and even touch. I quickly got captivated by the possibility that plants can sense even more, that they have a clearer picture of their surroundings. The idea of plants as electrosensitive beings rose up in me. This thesis is of course highly speculative and derived out of a vast unknowing. But the idea that plants might be even more sentient than we think stayed with me.
Out of the scattered knowledge I gathered, (references at the bottom) I believe that measuring different electric potentials in and in between plants and measuring their electric signalling, will be an opportunity to learn more about the informations that plants can notice. I am planning to continue this research in the coming semester.


''experiments''
This work was funded by the Bauhaus University Summaery Fonds and was shown at the Bauhaus University Summaery 2022


This interface for inner and outer discovery is accomplished, as briefly mentioned, by measuring the natural electromagnetic fields that are omnipresent in every space - using the plants as ‘antennas’.
{{#ev:vimeo|764586245}}
According to my experiments (I am of course not claiming this as a discovery, but I am not aware of studies that go deep into this topic) when measuring EMFs (electromagnetic fields), there is always a rhythm noticeable. Depending on the sample-rate (the number of measurements per second) this rhythm is depicted differently - similar to the relation of sampling rate and sound waves. When EMFs are measuring in a rate of 100 or 200 (milliseconds delay after every sample), a fluctuation can be observed. The strength of that fluctuation seems to depend on the strength of the EMF. Main influences are electronic devices - especially power adapter, them being less shielded - but also human movement. Movement, or presents seems to not heighten the EMF in a noteworthy manner. Instead it only seems to disturb the observed pattern or fluctuation.


I started my research by measuring electric resistance in plants. Here similar fluctuations could be observed. I was under the impression, that this was a kind of pulse of the plant itself, but I came to the conclusion, that the plants were probably picking up the EMFs from around them. Although when comparing plants to regular antennas, when measuring EMFs directly, the plant is less sensitive to movement around them, and keeps the fluctuation more strongly. To me this suggests, that the plant seems to bring their own impulses into the measurement. On the other hand this could also mean, that the plant is just not as sensitive as wire, due to it being less conductive. More experiments have to be done, to get closer to a more scientific conclusion.


At this point I would like to mention that I cannot claim to work in a scientific fashion. I am trying to give my best, but due to my recourses my focus cannot be scientifically backed results. Because of that I am sticking to finding reaction and patterns. These might not give clear answers, but help myself discovering the world and finding means to express my myself.




''technical''
== documentation ==


The data measured with an Arduino, is sonified in Max MSP and then processed and stylistically adapted in Max for Live. The now created soundscape can now be played back on speakers in the space of the installation.
[[File:phonGardDiagramm.png|1000px]]
In my opinion it is important that every plant has their own distinct speaker, so the participator can clearly understand how their movement is picked up differently form every plant. This puts me into some difficulties with using a  computer with a stereo output. There are three solutions for me at this point. One would be using a second, or even third computer in the final setup. Another would be finding a way to create the sound more or less ‘analog’, what I mean is only with an Arduino and not rerouting the signal through Max. And lastly I could stick to only two plants in the space.
[[File:doc1.jpg|1000px]]
[[File:doc2.JPG|1000px]]
[[File:doc3.JPG|1000px]]
[[File:doc4.JPG|1000px]]
[[File:doc5.JPG|1000px]]
[[File:doc6.JPG|1000px]]
[[File:doc7.JPG|1000px]]




== code ==


  void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  //start Serial
  }


''In conclusion''
  void loop() {
  int elPot = analogRead (A0);
    //read A0 (connected to plant)
    // elPot is the relative strenght of electric potential measured
  int potMap = map (elPot, 0, 1023, 1000, 2500);
    //scale full range of potential to 1000-2500 Hz (freq)
  tone(7, potMap);
    // sonify (pin7 connected to speaker) mapped electric potential
  Serial.print ("electric potential");
  Serial.println (elPot);
    // print relative electric potential to sserial plotter
  Serial.print (potMap);
  Serial.println ("Hz");
    // print the frequency of the sonification to the serial plotteer
  }


I am trying to build up an installation that is based on a technical part that is as simple as possible. An installation that creates a strong intuitive reaction. An installation where reading the concept adds a layer upon the experiences, but where the experience can stand alone.
 
An installation that creates a feedback loop between the participators and their surroundings.
== references and background research - a selection ==
A feedback loop that leads their focus by going in, back into the outer world and the opposite way too.
[[:File:Biosensors memristors and actuators in electrical networks of plants.pdf]]
 
[[:File:Electrical signals as an option of communication with plants.pdf]]
 
[[:File:Evidence for electrodynamic fields.pdf]]
 
[[:File:Mathematical Models of Electrical Activity in Plants.pdf]]
 
[[:File:Mechanical and electrical anisotropy in Mimosa pudica pulvini.pdf]]
 
[[:File:Nervous Impulse in Mimosa pudica.pdf]]
 
[[:File:Plant Cell  Environment - 2010 - VOLKOV - Signal transduction in Mimosa pudica  biologically closed electrical circuits.pdf]]
 
[[:File:Predicting green, really radical (plant) predictive processing.pdf]]
 
[[:File:THE ELECTRO-DYNAMIC THEORY OF LIFE.pdf]]
 
[[:File:The Integration of Electrical Signals Originating in the Root of Vascular Plants.pdf]]
 
 
[[:File:1597645969Recognizing Individuals and Their Emotions Using Plants as Bio-Sensors through Electro-static Discharge.pdf]]
 
Plants sensing electric fields
 
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/07/160708082037.htm
 
Electric Signals in Plants
 
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2017.02173/full
 
[[:File:Davies_2006_bookchapter-2.pdf]]
 
 
 
Using Trees to send Radio Frequencies
 
https://we-make-money-not-art.com/tree_antenna/
 
[[:File:tap.1975.1141017.pdf]]
 
 
''EMF Detection on Arduino''
 
https://www.instructables.com/Arduino-EMF-Detector/
 
 
 
== earlier stages of the project ==
 
 
Project research the state of June:
 
https://www.uni-weimar.de/kunst-und-gestaltung/wiki/GMU:Home_Made_Bioelectronics/Cosmo_Niklas_Sch%C3%BCppel
 
* [['''project research - state of may '22''']]

Latest revision as of 11:01, 31 October 2022



Screenshot 2022-08-15 at 19.19.02.png


abstract

The movement responsive sound installation awareness and movement in a phonetic garden is a speculative attempt to make the field of perception of a plant experienceable. The installation uses plants to measure the naturally occurring electromagnetic fields in the exhibition space. Through this, the self build measuring device can ‘sense’ humans because their natural electric field. Meaning, when a human enters the space, their natural electric fields has an impact on the one on the space. Measuring electric potential is used as a reference to the fact that plants use electric signal for internal and external communication. Furthermore it opens up the speculative thesis, that plants might be electrosensitive beings.

The work tries to illustrate plants as sentient beings. To be a sentient being means to be able to perceive your surroundings. By this it aims to open the topic of subject/object relationships. Plants are widely conceived as objects to be used and to be controlled. By giving them a 'voice', the installations shifts the awareness of the visitor, from passive and unresponsive, to an active and aware conception of the plants. In other words, the plant is seen as a being that is alive and that is able to see ‘me’. By showing the sonification device openly and stylised - the plants steps into a symbiosis with it. The electronic device is used and is perceived as a bridge between human and plant. Technology functions as a translator between wo*mankind and nature - as an instrument for connection and interaction.

For the sonification, a simple data-responsive sine wave is used. This sine wave is created with an Arduino and is modified with a analog spring reverb - usually to be found in vintage guitare amplifiers. This signal is amplified and played by a loudspeaker. The whole device runs on a 9V battery, to not disturb the measuring of the electric fields. By using two 9V batteries, the device is portable and could be placed in nature or in a public space.


At the beginning of this process, I went out to find a way to measure how a plant can sense the world. Scientifically it is very well known that plants can adjust to different environmental factors, like heat, humidity, light and even touch. I quickly got captivated by the possibility that plants can sense even more, that they have a clearer picture of their surroundings. The idea of plants as electrosensitive beings rose up in me. This thesis is of course highly speculative and derived out of a vast unknowing. But the idea that plants might be even more sentient than we think stayed with me. Out of the scattered knowledge I gathered, (references at the bottom) I believe that measuring different electric potentials in and in between plants and measuring their electric signalling, will be an opportunity to learn more about the informations that plants can notice. I am planning to continue this research in the coming semester.

This work was funded by the Bauhaus University Summaery Fonds and was shown at the Bauhaus University Summaery 2022

Load video
Vimeo



documentation

PhonGardDiagramm.png Doc1.jpg Doc2.JPG Doc3.JPG Doc4.JPG Doc5.JPG Doc6.JPG Doc7.JPG


code

 void setup() {
 Serial.begin(9600);
 //start Serial
 }

 void loop() {
 int elPot = analogRead (A0);
   //read A0 (connected to plant)
   // elPot is the relative strenght of electric potential measured
 int potMap = map (elPot, 0, 1023, 1000, 2500);
   //scale full range of potential to 1000-2500 Hz (freq)
 tone(7, potMap);
   // sonify (pin7 connected to speaker) mapped electric potential
 Serial.print ("electric potential");
 Serial.println (elPot);
   // print relative electric potential to sserial plotter
 Serial.print (potMap);
 Serial.println ("Hz");
   // print the frequency of the sonification to the serial plotteer
 }


references and background research - a selection

File:Biosensors memristors and actuators in electrical networks of plants.pdf

File:Electrical signals as an option of communication with plants.pdf

File:Evidence for electrodynamic fields.pdf

File:Mathematical Models of Electrical Activity in Plants.pdf

File:Mechanical and electrical anisotropy in Mimosa pudica pulvini.pdf

File:Nervous Impulse in Mimosa pudica.pdf

File:Plant Cell Environment - 2010 - VOLKOV - Signal transduction in Mimosa pudica biologically closed electrical circuits.pdf

File:Predicting green, really radical (plant) predictive processing.pdf

File:THE ELECTRO-DYNAMIC THEORY OF LIFE.pdf

File:The Integration of Electrical Signals Originating in the Root of Vascular Plants.pdf


File:1597645969Recognizing Individuals and Their Emotions Using Plants as Bio-Sensors through Electro-static Discharge.pdf

Plants sensing electric fields

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/07/160708082037.htm

Electric Signals in Plants

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2017.02173/full

File:Davies_2006_bookchapter-2.pdf


Using Trees to send Radio Frequencies

https://we-make-money-not-art.com/tree_antenna/

File:tap.1975.1141017.pdf


EMF Detection on Arduino

https://www.instructables.com/Arduino-EMF-Detector/


earlier stages of the project

Project research the state of June:

https://www.uni-weimar.de/kunst-und-gestaltung/wiki/GMU:Home_Made_Bioelectronics/Cosmo_Niklas_Sch%C3%BCppel

Retrieved from "https://www.uni-weimar.de/kunst-und-gestaltung/wiki/index.php?title=Cosmo_Schueppel&oldid=131863"
Last modified
This page was last edited on 31 October 2022, at 11:01.