Steve Ball Drift 1

Field Recording #1

2009-03-22T18:01:00.002-07:00

As I began my “Drift 1,” I noticed a lone man in the distance, rowing his boat, and I stopped to catch the sounds of the oars breaking the silence of the tide, both through the water and chunks of ice that had yet to melt.

Field Recording #2

2009-03-22T18:01:00.001-07:00

“Drifting” onward, I observed a flock of several types of birds gathering in the empty marina. I sat down to watch and listen. A passerby stopped and tossed the crust from his recently eaten sandwich into the circle. Panic among the feathered animals ensued.

Field Recording #3

2009-03-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

After the birds calmed down, I continued down alongside the lakefront. Stopping to record a the low rumble of a passing plane overhead, a mother and child walked by, and the seemingly startled child exclaimed, “That goose attacked us!”

Field Recording #4

2009-03-22T17:59:00.000-07:00

Having decided that I had ventured far enough and should head towards the city, I heard the faint sound of church bells clashing, and couldn’t help but wonder whether these sounds were of joyous or grim occasion.

Field Recording #5

2009-03-22T17:57:00.002-07:00

The drift was nearing an end, and just as I had familiarized myself with the tranquility of the lakefront, I was crudely brought back to the reality of everyday life when the piercing shrill of sirens broke the atmosphere.

Drift Strategy

2009-03-22T17:57:00.001-07:00

The triangle can be found in the subtext of a variety of artwork ranging from traditional paintings to modern architecture, and its influence is inexplicable yet most profound. So to form the path for my Drift Strategy I thought what better a way than to superimpose this geometric figure on a map of the East Side of Milwaukee?

As much as I had planned on using Milwaukee as my starting point, Milwaukee was not cooperating with me very well. With cold and very windy conditions, after a few attempts, I decided to take my drift away from the lakefront. On a recent trip to Kenosha to visit a very good friend, I brought along my gear and decided to try my drift down there. I have maintained my triangular route and have still kept to the lakefront, only the city has changed. I have started my drift on the edge of a cluster of galleries and museums and wandered around the marina area.

Drift 1 Map

2009-03-22T16:16:00.001-07:00

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