Rain Drum Courtyard
Artist
Dan Corson
MediumRain drums, resin impregnated paper, plastic, galvanized steel bases, copper tube, driping mechanism and computer
Dimensions18 drums, Varies, drums 14"to 30"diameter see file
ClassificationsInstallation
Credit LineSeattle Public Utilities 1% for Art funds
Description: Twenty-one drums, representing different cultures, are placed in an exterior courtyard of vine maples. When rains fall, the water collects on the leaves, drips and sounds the rain drums. When it is dry, a computer will simulate not only rain, but also create pre-programmed rhythms recognizable as representative of various cultures and contemporary ethnically inspired compositions. These computer activated drippers are programmed with rhythms of various cultures including Native American, Afro Cuban and Balinese, and will, at various times, mimic the rain.
Artist Statement: I wondered how to turn the experience of sitting in the watershed's old growth forests and moss covered stands of vine maples while listening to the hypnotic pattern of rain on the leaves into art. While in Bali months earlier, I had heard of some drums that were designed to be played by rain. Although I searched and never found any examples, the idea of those drums became strongly rooted into my mind. Weaving in the idea of technology and the universal expression of music and rhythm, I worked with engineers, landscape architects, drum fabricators and musicians to bring this artwork to life. The project is designed to allow for different rhythms to be added and changed as the seasons and years cycle.
Watch: Seattle
Channel Profile of Artist Dan Corson (2007)
Location: Seattle
Public Utilities Watershed Management, 19901 Cedar Falls Road South East, North
Bend WA 98045
