Scott Smallwood is a sound artist, composer, and performer who creates works inspired by discovered textures and forms, through a practice of listening, field recording, and improvisation. In addition to composing works for ensembles and electronics, he designs experimental instruments and software, as well as sound installations and audio games, often for site-specific scenarios. Much of his recent work is often concerned with the soundscapes of climate change, and the dichotomy between ecstatic and luxuriating states of noise and the precious commodity of natural acoustical environments and quiet spaces. He frequently collaborates with artists in other media, and he performs as one-half of the laptop/electronic duo Evidence (with Stephan Moore), as well as several other groups. He teaches as a professor of composition at the University of Alberta, where he also serves as the director of the Sound Studies Institute.
Listening to Climate Change through Urban Sound Walks (Friday October 18, 09.30-10.00)
In his talk, Scott Smallwood will discuss the concept of urban sound walks as a practice for understanding the current state of our technological world. The talk will advocate for walking in general, as a life practice (or life hack), but will focus specifically on the practice of sound walks. The talk will include discussion of the sound walk on Oct 11, focusing on lost waterways, as well as the history of sound walks, and the different approaches to the practice. In addition, he will introduce the concept of deep listening, and will lead a short deep listening meditation designed by composer Pauline Oliveros.