Clay Instruments

Clay Trumpet by Laura Andel

Clay Trumpet by Laura Andel

“As a music composer, and especially as someone who has never worked with clay, modeling an instrument with my own hands adds one more layer to the concept of searching for a personal sound. There is also a sense of continuity from the process of working with clay to model an instrument to the sound that results from it. In a way, it feels like modeling sound.”

As part of a new music project for clay trumpets and whistles, Andel has started building her own instruments in ceramic. After the instruments are built, the sounds are also recorded to become part of electroacoustic works.

Instruments

Clay Trumpet by Laura Andelseashell-shaped trumpet

Construction process of a pututo, a ceramic seashell-shaped trumpet from the Mochica culture, c. 200aC.

Whistling Double Vase by Laura Andelwhistling double vase

Construction process of a vasija silbadora, a ceramic double-chamber vase from the Mochica culture, c. 200aC.