{"id":35980,"title":"STORM REFLECTIONS","description":"Kelly Ann Buckley : Storm Reflections is an audio-visual piece I put together, made from samples and clips recorded\/gathered by the members of the Contemporary Elders art programme, run by Focal Point Gallery in Southend-on-Sea. The creative people age 60 - 90 + came along to a workshop held at Twenty One - a public cafe and event space - as part of the gallery\u2019s DigiFest festival in October \u201823, to experiment with words, sound and visuals. They recorded sound bites of their storm memories and thoughts on climate change, using digital samplers","content":"

By Kelly Ann Buckley (K-A-B)<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>

\"f9eqdshrt89ntvugkmcbzvfziqpir5cwskpxa3qjxxkrk8rd.jpg.jpg?w=1140&v=2\"Storm Reflections<\/strong> is an audio-visual piece I created using samples and clips recorded by members of the Contemporary Elders art programme, run by Focal Point Gallery in Southend-on-Sea.<\/p>

Participants aged 60 to 90+ attended a workshop at Twenty One, a public cafe and event space, during the gallery\u2019s DigiFest in October 2023. They experimented with words, sounds, and visuals, recording their storm memories and thoughts on climate change with digital samplers. They edited these samples, added effects, created loops, and layered sequences. Visuals representing their stories and selected musical sounds were also gathered. I integrated all these digital elements into a cohesive piece.<\/p>

Some participants were initially hesitant about using technology, but by the end of the workshop, everyone had recorded digital sound samples, experimented with them, and contributed to the visual aspect with their own photographs, researched images, or downloaded film clips. For many, this was their first experience using digital sound creatively. It was gratifying to hear that some participants were inspired with new ideas for future projects. This highlights the value of community art organisations.<\/p>

From a sound designer\/composer\/visual artist<\/em><\/strong> perspective, crafting the 11-minute piece from such a diverse collection of samples and visuals was a rewarding challenge. To disguise the poor quality of some recordings due to using iPads in a noisy cafe, I used EQ on the high and low ends to create a 'transistor radio' effect, which suited the piece. Pre-recorded music samples chosen by the group were also integrated into the final composition, along with additional sound design to match visual transitions. I applied a consistent colour palette to the imagery, except for clips related to climate change, to create a deliberate contrast between storm memories and discussions on the current crisis.<\/p>

The film was shown on a loop alongside other artists\u2019 films on the Big Screen outside Focal Point Gallery in Elmer Square, as part of the S for Southend exhibition from January - March 2024. It was also available for viewing inside the gallery with headphones.<\/p>

For more information about the exhibition and art programs for all ages, visit fpg.org.uk<\/a>. <\/p>

See the full film below.
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