I have spent two days at Priorswood Community Centre in Taunton as part of an initiative between Somerset Wildlife Trust and Somerset Art Works as part of their "Routes to the River Tone' project (more can be found on their websites)
I set up with a table, chair, some examples of my ear harps and set to creating a new ear harp for the community centre. The idea was for people to see me working as they got on with their daily lives, I explained the link to what I was making from a piece of hazel to walking in nature and what it can provide, and how nature can be easily accessed, and the simplicity of making a piece of art/sound instrument with twigs and fishing wire. I was surprised at just how much positive interest it generated across the age divide, virtually to a person they were enthralled, amazed and delighted. The community centre kept a ever flowing supply of tea for me and I spoke to passerbys and shop keepers.
I created this large hazel ear harp with individually tuned strings, the sound from it was rich and full of tone to the listener but quiet everyone else.
hands playing the black and white strings
After returning to my studio I wanted to make another one quickly, so I found a piece of cherry wood and created this very small intimate but delightful ear harp, which also has a lovely sound, I seem to never tire from the joy of these ear harps.
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