Bed of Soft is a musical instrument whose predecessors include the monochord of Pythagoras. Approximately 200cm long, 90cm high, 70cm wide and made of wood, the Bed is strung with 56 strings 200cm long. These strings run under the hollow soundbox which constitutes the top part of the Bed. During the installation, the Bed lies under approximately 45 meters squared of white fabric in a sealed space - participants enter the space one at a time, lie down on the Bed, and clap their hands to signal for the installation to begin. The lights fade out, and the strings which run the length of the Bed are strummed. Vibrations pass into the soundbox of the instrument and from there to the surface the participant is lying on. Each person's body will affect the vibrations and their overtones in different ways, resulting in an unique experience for every participant.
Bed of Soft was commissioned by the Project Arts Centre, Dublin. Exhibited in the Project Arts Centre, Dublin, May 2005.
Chief Technician Ed Walshe
spruce, maple, cedar, beech, strings, sateen