WIND CHIMES
FM makes chimes in unnumbered editions in a studio workshop in Petaluma, CA. They are tall and architectural - made from local trees in harmonics that are grounding and sonorous. They have a warm sound and a durable design that converts breezy days into endless melodies. Alex Ross of the New Yorker calls them “surprisingly complex.”
Deep in the pandemic, I began making wind chimes prompted by an invitation from my dear friend and conductor, Christopher Rountree. He asked: “What would you do for your community right now - while we’re all apart but want to feel together?” And so I made two sets of loose redwood chimes, tuned carefully from found pieces in my studio. This new way of interacting with listeners - making music on their terms - composing frozen ambient harmonies added to the home - human sized works that held energy even when silent - it suited me. And from here I started Furniture Music.
I like to think of the chimes as a part of the environmental ambient movement that started with Erik Satie and his original conception of Furniture Music - a genre that could furnish the home in aura and atmosphere. The genre was carried for a time by Brian Eno and later by the Japanese composers Hiroshi Yoshimura and Satoshi Ashikawa.
Made from regional and horticultural trees sourced from Angel City Lumber in Los Angeles or Evan Shively / Arborica in Marshall, CA. The wood components are often charred deep with a traditional Japanese finish called yakisugi, or sho sugi ban or finished with teak oil.
Tuned by ear to harmonies found in Appalachian folks instruments, traditional intonations from North Indian classical music, and tones that call and catch my attention. x Chris
