sounding line

A sounding line is a device to measure depth and topography.

This short experimental film is an invitation to consider our human interconnectedness with the watery commons.
Restless ancient oceans are under ecological crisis as a result of human activity. Fragile yet vital ecosystems are negatively affected by the impact of sound pollution causing interference below the surface, often out of view and often to the Cetacean Community.

Incorporating visual and audio field recordings gathered from the waters of the Sea of Hebrides in 2019, and updated in 2024 with thanks to the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, this 'sunken cinema' absorbs speculative histories inspired by the early films of Jean Painléve. The work is influenced by writers including Astrida Neimanis and Rachel Carson.

It is delivered in a deliberate wave format and is accompanied by an orchestrated sound track.

In 2024 'Sounding Line' was included within a group exhibition entitled 'Life Boat' projected onto a working sailcloth supplied by Sail Britain to further expand its materiality. A live performance of the soundtrack by the composer and conversation around 'fieldwork as practice' was also delivered.