Because we naturally see things in front of us first, we often treat vision as the most important sense, often at the expense of others. We usually take our sense of hearing for granted even when our ears have played a part in our survival. Our sense of hearing can help us focus or distract us in ways that aren’t as obvious as visual stimuli, which is how the whole “white noise” fad grew.
In the same sense (no pun intended), we subconsciously develop memories based on the sounds we hear in the background, though not always in a good way. Noise pollution can sometimes overwhelm us, forcing us to tune out sounds at the risk of becoming disconnected from the present moment. This beautiful turntable-like device reclaims that lost experience by turning recorded sounds around us into an enchanting hum of a bell.
Designers: ,
This speculative object is practically a slowly spinning meditation bowl bell mounted on a wall. That alone already gives it some decorative value, but its operation holds even deeper meaning. Every piece of the Sonic Heirloom has significance and a reference to the way sounds shape our memories. There is a puck, for example, whose purpose is to record the sounds happening around you as you go through your day and then place it inside the player using a frosted glass vitrine that symbolizes how hazy our memories can sometimes become.
Playing back the recording starts to spin the bowl-shaped bell like a turntable, brushing against a leather-covered player that acts like a record player arm. The bowl itself is made from reused tin and copper, bringing their own memories from their past uses while also creating tonal qualities that are as unique as our memories. The bowl will also develop a unique patina over time, creating fresh new memories of its own.
As the bowl turns and creates friction with the player, a resonating sound is produced, not unlike the meditative hum that this kind of bell is known for. It puts a unique spin on our subconscious memories as recorded both by our ears and the puck, turning them into an opportunity to practice mindfulness and maybe recall the delightful events of the day.
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