SOUND MACHINE - PERFORMED MECHANICAL BIOGRAPHIES

Over the years, I’ve built a series of human powered machines. Most of the mechanics and parts come from discarded exercise equipment and bicycles. I’d connect the human powered element to vintage reel-to-reel audio decks. When the machines were operated, they’d pull the tape through the deck and into the machine. 

These projects began with conversations, with people willing to share their life stories. I’d record them recounting memories and transfer the audio onto tape, sometimes adding additional sounds or music. I would invite the same people to operate the machine, to perform their recorded history.