The 'Skyharp' is a 'virtual instrument' designed to collect data from a natural environment, data which is subsequently used to generate a complementary soundscape.

The 'Skyharp' utilizes sound to create a subtle relationship between a natural feature (such as a tree, waterfall etc.), the natural landscape, and the human inhabitants of this landscape. 'Skyharp' generates this complete interactive environment on a massive scale, going beyond the typically human, self-centered tendencies, and involving instead the dynamic rhythms of forests, celestial phenomena and similar phenomena in a massive interactive process. The intention of any 'Skyharp' installation is to sensitize groups of visitors to the complex relationship of seen, heard and imagined elements. The name 'Skyharp' reflects the aesthetic function of this particular instrument; it is 'played' by the most primary of ecological forces: the wave action of water, the revolving motion of clouds, the subtle vibration of trees, and the imperceptibly slow creeping of light and shadow.
In July 1991 the 'Skyharp' was part of the 'Millennium Project', held at the Cataraqui Conservation Area in Kingston. For the duration of a week, a massive, prominent elm tree was the star performer in the interactive installation. The visitor could stand among a small forest of clear acrylic 'speakers', and listen to the electro acoustic and natural sounds, while observing the ever-changing relationship of wind, crickets, the majestic movement of the elm tree and the other natural constituents of this installation. (Kristi Allik/Robert Mulder)

Technical Background

HW: 1 Amiga 3000, 1 Macintosh IICI
SW: Max, D-Paint, Soundtools, Arex X, Mandala V1, 9U

Kristi A. Allik born in Toronto, CAN. She has received degrees from the University of Southern California, Princeton University and the University of Toronto. Kristi Allik has received numerous commissions and awards including Canada Council grants, Ontario Art Council grants, the Federation of University Women Award and the Irving G. Mills Award. She has written an opera, been involved with theatrical productions, and has written a number of integrated media works. She has had performances of her works in Europe, USA and Canada. Allik became interested in electroacoustic music several years ago. Currently she is on Faculty at Queen's University School of Musik where she teaches composition, computer musik and musik theory.

Robert C. F. Mulder born in Den Haag, NL, 1943. Since the age of 14 Robert Mulder has followed a path of self-guided education as an electronic artist. Currently his interests are in the field of time-dependent visual phenomena, and applications which utilize visual art as a process, rather than as object. He has won numerous grants and awards in national and intemational competitions. Mulder engages in concerts, lectures world-wide and his performances and installations have been experienced by audiences throughout Canada, the USA and Europe.