Singing Fingers

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Around ten years ago,I cut down a wild White Spruce. You could hear the wasps in it from 200 feet easy, and it was next to our garden.From a piece of the inverted Spruce trunk, I chainsawed a sculpture of a head.Then I placed this head in the woods to season.Two years ago, I brought it out of the woods, and stored it inside.Tonight,I joined this head with a six fingered base made from 5/8" re-rod.If you pick "Singing Fingers" up and tap the top of the head, the six fingers of the base ring; but strangely, the wooden head rings. I was surprised by how efficient the acoustical coupling was between the wood and steel.When you hold "Singing Fingers" and tap a base finger,it makes a (wooden) bongo kind of sound and the head rings, just like the fingers.I think I know why the wasps chose this tree.This sculpture taught me many things, and I'm excited about applying my newfound inspirations.There is a clear sky tonight, and the stars need some look'n at.......Singing FingersSinging Fingers
Frank


Radharc's picture

Interesting piece, Frank. I

Interesting piece, Frank. I find this fascinating. Occasionally I make musical instruments, drums mostly, and want to make more wood/metal types. I would love to tap on this piece, and experience what you describe. Don't you love those sorts of happy creative accidents (sic) ?


Frank Castiglione's picture

Drums

Hi Michael,
I love drums.I saw one made like a box with Birch plywood sides and a hole in the front and would like to make one myself. You could control pitch by holding your feet in different positions on the plywood sides.
With every metal sculpture I make, I tap each segment as they are added just to hear the new sound. I am always surprised by which pieces are musical and which are not.
Frank


Rob Sigafoos's picture

Frank-This is most cool!

Frank-This is most cool! Your work is always so wonderful to look at- and now to listen to! I am always partial to mixed media pieces, which is hard to do. You were quite successful with this piece.
Rob


Frank Castiglione's picture

Listening

Hi Rob,
Thanks. I certainly agree with you on the mixed media thoughts.Wouldn't a sculpture of a Macaw be beautiful done with a variety of metals and a wooden beak? Hmm, gotta start dumpster dive'n for some old (SS)toasters.
Frank