Surrounded: A Series of Sound Installations That Combine Plant Electrophysiology and 3D Sonic Art

Abstract

This paper discusses a series of sound installations that combine plant electrophysiology with 3D sonic art. A brief introduction to plant electrophysiology is given. The sonification of electrophysiological signals in the mycorrhizal network is discussed, explaining how art and science are combined in this project in a way that differs from the simple sonification of data. Novel 3D audio spatialization techniques, the 3D audio mapping of natural environments and immersion are also discussed, along with technical details of how to read the electrical signals in plants known as action potentials. Other topics addressed include acoustic signaling in the forest, spectral composition and interaction with forest flora and fauna.