Resonance Field is an art installation project consisting of ceramic tiles in the desert that will vibrate and make sounds based on local seismic activity, translating underground vibrations into an audible and visible experience. The tiles correspond to tectonic plates under California, and will be struck automatically to produce tones reflecting the meter and intensity of earthquakes. It brings together the interests of the artists in sculpture, software, and creating integrated media works.

1. Resonance Field
Participants
Pete Hawkes
David Wicks
Abstract
A field of ceramic tiles vibrate rhythmically in the desert. Resonance Field is a
compressed mapping of seismic activity rendered audible and visible.
Narrative Description
The desert is a place of indirect signs. The presence of each of its elements is made
known by what it leaves behind, by subtle tracks and discarded matter. Not only do we
know of living things like lizards through secondary evidence, but we also learn of the
ground underneath the desert by what is happening on the surface. Fault-lines are
apparent not as fissures in the surface or rock formations, but by the presence of plant-
life above them. We do not see the thing itself, but rather its effects.
We are interested in providing an additional signifier of the earth beneath the desert. To
that end, we are building a sonic field that is sympathetic to the earths vibrations. The
field will be composed of a number of ceramic plates, corresponding to the plates and
micro-plates under California. Each of the plates will be struck by automatic systems to
produce a range of tones varying in meter and intensity according to local seismic
activity.
Resonance Field builds on Davidʼs previous experience creating database- and
software-driven forms and Peteʼs experience with motorized systems. It is an attempt to
bridge their interests in sculpture and software, to create an integrated media work.

2. Conceptual Diagram
Presentation/Exhibition
Earthquake field will be installed in the desert, with components spaced out such that
viewers can walk between them.