Description: This is a participatory workshop centred on walking, designed to investigate the interplay between participants, their embodied experience, perception, and the acoustic environment. Walking becomes a method for observing and identifying materials, objects, and non-human sounds, as well as for deepening awareness of how these elements are perceived. Inspired by John Cage, who famously revealed the subtle sounds of mushrooms growing, some participants will uncover the acoustic layers of their surroundings, while others will explore the relationships between materials, objects, and their perception of the acoustic environment —critically informed by John Martin’s recent work. Meanwhile, some may reflect on the visual, spatial, and sensory dimensions of their walk.

Participant Expectations: Participants are encouraged to engage deeply with the environment, approaching the workshop as a critical and creative exploration. They will thoughtfully contribute to the collection and reflection of objects, materials and sounds, encouraging dialogue between personal and collective responses. Participants will be asked to carefully return their collected objects and materials by the end of the workshop. Consent will be obtained from participants to be recorded via sound recorders and phone cameras for workshop documentation, ensuring ethical engagement and transparency in the archival process.

Collaborators: Dr. John Martin, Dominica Williamson, and Neal Cahoon