The Ascent Of Sap

This performance took place in the ruins of the old Franciscan Abbey on Sherkin Island (off the south coast of Ireland), for the Open Ear Festival. All sounds were produced in real time, originating from the bioelectrical fields of four plants growing in the ancient Abbey courtyard. These were: Rough Hawksbit, Dandelion, Daisy, and Ribwort Plantain. All living organisms produce a faint electrical current, which constantly fluctuates according to the state of the organism. This current can be amplified and used as a control signal for an oscillator, producing a sound which directly reflects the state of the organism. The vigorous rhythms of plants at midday in midsummer can be heard here.