Five Sound Questions to Åsa Stjerna

After visiting that beautiful country again this summer, it feels good to resume the Five Sound Questions series with an artist from Sweden: Åsa Stjerna.

  

Åsa creates wonderful site specific multi channel sound installations, situated in urban, or natural environments, redefining space, through sound. 

 

Please have a look at her website for more information: www.asastjerna.se

 

1. What sound from your childhood made the most impression on you?

The beats of my own heart! 

For a period of my early childhood I dreamt the same dream night after night, that I was lost in a labyrinth, hunted by someone who’s face I never could identify. I could only hear his steps. It took me a long period of time - and many horrified nights - to realize that the illusion of steps was created out of the sounds from my heart beating while I was lying in a certain position in my bed. 

Summary: Sounds can evoke illusions as well as emotions!

2. How do you listen to the world around you?

Carefully and with respect.

 

3. Which place in the world do you favor for its sound?

 

The soundscape of the Faroe Islands. The sounds from the sea, the rivers and the wind, together they create a minimalist but yet always changing sound experience of white noise, which doesn’t leave you unaffected.

4. How could we make sound improve our lives?

Make the awareness of the capacity of sound bigger: That sound actually matters! That the most ordinary sound in your daily life actually has the potentiality to affect you!

5. What sound would you like to wake up to?

A group of happy sheep. I think nothing could compare to this.

 

To read the answers of other artists, visit the Everyday Listening Five Sound Questions section.