Part 3 ‘Tea’ combines male and female chanting with the ritual of making tea, including the whisking of matcha. Recorded in the studio of ceramic artist Collyn Gawned, also his home, the process of making tea is a part of the creative process and underpins the esthetic.
The first edit I posted was reworked to consider the place it sits within the entire soundscape and the flow required within the exhibition space.
Linda Chambers & Collyn Gawned: 100 Chawan
10 April – 8 May 2025 | Vancouver Arts Centre
100 Chawan (tea bowls) is a collaborative installation reflecting the studio based practices and common interests of Albany ceramic artists Linda Chambers and Collyn Gawned.
With reference to historic and cultural use, the tea bowl became their inspiration for individual exploration into form, surface decoration and functionality.
They have worked the elements of earth and water, firing in gas, electric and wood-fired kilns, to create unique and considered pieces for this exhibition, complimented by an original soundscape meditation compiled by Albany sound designer, Nat Rad.
Dates: 10 April – 8 May 2025
Days: Monday- Friday
Time: 10am – 4pm
Location: Vancouver Arts Centre, 85 Vancouver St, Albany
Translating from a video still, these works represent the complexity of layering sensations into one space. The images below begin with the still and documents the layering of paint to the final work
“Video of back fence in a cold morning as sun intensifies. Steam emanating from the fibre board fence.
Using filters to section the video into a dreamlike state until the final frame in golden glow. Sound is the water pouring between tea-cups, tapping on tea cup and glacial waters of Lake St Claire, Tasmania.”
More Voidscape works in progress.
Transparency of image interaction.
After making a short film with soundscape earlier in the year, I am now looking to translate a couple stills into paintings. Documentation of process.
I feel a process is emerging.
The first small study concentrated on blocking in areas with charcole in a loose way, underpainting in complementaries then final layer with body added to the paint.
To translate a work into a larger format, I found the muscle memory of the composition stronger.
“This work is taken from 2023, a day painting at Katrine, outside Toodyay, WA. Behind the farm stay a hill of golden wheat was being harvested over the days, imprinting the landscape with lines. A November sun blurred the vision by day but at dusk the mauves combined with a softer yellow. I wanted to work in a freer fashion after again working with stencils on the project before. This work focused on colour, line and texture as I tried a new paint thickener.
So an opportunity came about to design/ make “stuff” to show in the Albany Advertiser window, York Street Albany. Not just any old thing would do because this is for Albany Pride!
With the theme in mind of “Lets get visible”, the venue and drawing on the resources I have, the project started with nothing but eyes and newspaper and somehow quickly developed from there.
Thank you Albany Pride, the Albany Advertiser and the lovely friends that loaned things for me to play with and have fun!!
As the year comes to an end I want to thank all of the artists who support this project. You are a passionate, professional and supportive bunch who I enjoy working with.
Just like an apple a day, art makes our lives better!
Nat Rad Artist + Artsworker 