Dallas Simpson - Sacred Thresholds

This sound work is an exercise in abstract symbolic metaphorical allusion, of deep spiritual significance to the artist, in the form of a suite of 4 phonographic live location recordings. Because this four part work, in the form of four short meditations, is intended to be understood in highly abstract terms, the exact locations of the recordings are not identified.

The 1st Movement represents incarnation into the physical realm, the ticking of time here alludes specifically to the 'Time and Place' that we are born into. Here childhood and youthfulness are playful, occasionally vigorous, impetuous, sometimes loud and boisterous, yet inclined to periods of silent contemplation and prayer. The spiritual journey has begun.
In the 2nd Movement the constraints of material attachments impede the development of our higher being.
In the 3rd Movement the (Golden) Silence of Transcendence is more omnipresent. The seeker must hearken to the tiny voice of our inner being.
In the 4th Movement our inner being is liberated from all constraints and wanders freely in its sacred abode.

Recorded in 2012 in three empty churches in The Romney Marshes (1st and 2nd Movements) and Cambridgeshire (3rd Movement). The 4th Movement was recorded under a railway bridge near the location of the 3rd Movement. Each experience, encounter and improvisation with the interior of the churches was followed by a slow circumambulation (circular walk around the church). All improvisations were performed with humility, love and respect using only bare hands and leaving no trace of any contact. All binaural recordings were made using custom modified in-ear microphones, no windshields were used.
The Churchwarden was informed of the trapped Magpie following the completion of the recording of the 2nd Movement.