Singing Toward the Wind Now, Signing Toward the Sun Now

Singing Toward the Wind Now/Signing Toward the Sun Now
Raven Chacon

Chacon’s piece comprised four metal sculptures which function as musical instruments played by the natural elements. Each sculpture was designed to appear as an electrical utility tower, but incorporated Navajo geometries from traditional weaving and painting designs. Two of the towers functioned as harps: Their strings were activated by the wind, producing a soft, singing drone tuned to the key of Navajo corn-grinding songs. The other two were solar-powered oscillators producing a faint electronic beating sound. Singing Toward recognized natural beauty within encroaching technological enemies.