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Alarms, Bells, Buzz, and Birds: Soundscapes, Awareness, and Healing in Japan

Miller, Martin LU (2012) KOVM12 20121
Division of Art History and Visual Studies
Abstract
LUND UNIVERSITY

Division of Art History and Visual Studies
Master of Arts in Visual Culture

Alarms, Bells, Buzz and Birds: Soundscapes, Awareness, and Healing in Japan

by Marty Miller

Abstract:

Studies in the Visual Culture field reveal the impact of images in shaping perceptions of ourselves, yet also in relationship to what is labeled as 'other.' However, the use of sounds to create or assist in the creation of these experiences is a field that begs further investigation. Thus, this thesis holds of utmost importance the ability of sound to influence perception of ones surroundings, as well as to facilitate an awareness of body and mind. A motivation for the creation of this awareness is the need to connect with nature,... (More)
LUND UNIVERSITY

Division of Art History and Visual Studies
Master of Arts in Visual Culture

Alarms, Bells, Buzz and Birds: Soundscapes, Awareness, and Healing in Japan

by Marty Miller

Abstract:

Studies in the Visual Culture field reveal the impact of images in shaping perceptions of ourselves, yet also in relationship to what is labeled as 'other.' However, the use of sounds to create or assist in the creation of these experiences is a field that begs further investigation. Thus, this thesis holds of utmost importance the ability of sound to influence perception of ones surroundings, as well as to facilitate an awareness of body and mind. A motivation for the creation of this awareness is the need to connect with nature, with ourselves, and with each other.
While investigating ways in which sound can interact with visual sensory input to produce a state of awareness of one's surroundings, contemporary conceptions of nature, time, and space will be brought into question through an examination of philosophies, spiritual, and creative traditions of Japanese culture. Urban Tokyo, Japan serves as a functional setting for this paper due to a cultural heritage of creative and spiritual use of sound in the creation of an awareness of natural processes, seemingly outside the realm of human interference. However, the events of March 11, 2011 have also allowed for an in-depth analysis of how sound and color could be used to connect local inhabitants with the activities of the natural world around them. Through personally experiencing these incidents, a particular motivation arises to not only reconceptualize traditional categorizations between sound and vision, but also to seek new methods of applying a renewed awareness of natural-processes towards a therapeutic recovery. This is examined through the role of the arts, and opens the door to further creative action for the use of audio-visual stimuli to assist in the reconnection with the earth, and with ourselves. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Miller, Martin LU
supervisor
organization
course
KOVM12 20121
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
art, music, sound, soundscape, birds, birdsong, buzz, bell, alarm, keysound, Gumbrecht, Schafer, Japan, Tokyo, earthquake, tsunami, recovery, music therapy, Buddhism, intercultural, multicultural, Asia, musicology, Campbell, color, Zen, nature, culture
language
English
additional info
Please feel free to contact the author through his email found on the website gahjah.wordpress.com, for any comments or questions about the research and findings of this paper. He welcomes the discussion and feedback.
id
2542751
date added to LUP
2012-08-20 10:36:57
date last changed
2012-08-20 10:36:57
@misc{2542751,
  abstract     = {{LUND UNIVERSITY

Division of Art History and Visual Studies
Master of Arts in Visual Culture

Alarms, Bells, Buzz and Birds: Soundscapes, Awareness, and Healing in Japan

by Marty Miller

Abstract:

Studies in the Visual Culture field reveal the impact of images in shaping perceptions of ourselves, yet also in relationship to what is labeled as 'other.' However, the use of sounds to create or assist in the creation of these experiences is a field that begs further investigation. Thus, this thesis holds of utmost importance the ability of sound to influence perception of ones surroundings, as well as to facilitate an awareness of body and mind. A motivation for the creation of this awareness is the need to connect with nature, with ourselves, and with each other. 
	While investigating ways in which sound can interact with visual sensory input to produce a state of awareness of one's surroundings, contemporary conceptions of nature, time, and space will be brought into question through an examination of philosophies, spiritual, and creative traditions of Japanese culture. Urban Tokyo, Japan serves as a functional setting for this paper due to a cultural heritage of creative and spiritual use of sound in the creation of an awareness of natural processes, seemingly outside the realm of human interference. However, the events of March 11, 2011 have also allowed for an in-depth analysis of how sound and color could be used to connect local inhabitants with the activities of the natural world around them. Through personally experiencing these incidents, a particular motivation arises to not only reconceptualize traditional categorizations between sound and vision, but also to seek new methods of applying a renewed awareness of natural-processes towards a therapeutic recovery. This is examined through the role of the arts, and opens the door to further creative action for the use of audio-visual stimuli to assist in the reconnection with the earth, and with ourselves.}},
  author       = {{Miller, Martin}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Alarms, Bells, Buzz, and Birds: Soundscapes, Awareness, and Healing in Japan}},
  year         = {{2012}},
}