Modular synths are made up of multiple modules, some of which generate sound by themselves, but most not. It is through patching modules together with wires that we can create complex sounds and music. The reason this is my preferred technique of producing sound is that, while there are many possibilities, the process of patching modules together narrows those possibilities down dynamically. Instead of being utterly alone in creating, you can work in collaboration with little computing things.
Limbo, feeling blocked, or the fear of breaking perfect silence and the sublime blankness of a page, comes, I think, from having too many possibilities to process. Systems and processes guide us past this point of infinite choices to intersections where we have just enough choice to be creative, and just few enough options to be able to actualise meaningful choices.
With this in mind, we will now use different systems to create trinkets and talismans, objects with no function other than to have character and meaning, for our own personal cabinets of curiosities. The trinkets/talismans will be comprised of different “moods” to set the scene for your work.
Follow the activities below in any order. Roll a dice if you need to, there are 6 choices. Collect the documents, images, and recordings from each activity in a folder to be accessed whenever you need guidance. You can make as many trinket/talisman folders as you want. You can also upload the folder to our shared cabinet of curiosities here.
This is a document for me as much as it is for you, a series of solutions based on my own ruts and anxieties. Take your time, take breaks, use the table at the end, and feel no pressure to do it all.
