Undulations
A letterpress monoprint installation and interactive video, experimental music performance

Side story The harrow is a piece of farm equipment know as a blade harrow, towed behind the tractor to plow the field. I invented/adapted the instrument version a few years ago, replacing a similar instrument called the lid, which is a lid off of a wringer washing machine. Both played with bows (student German bass bow), mallets, springs, chains, fingers and other devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired you to do this?
The artwork, a two sided 5x5 grid of 18" letterpress monoprints on fabric, called out for video projection, and musical interaction.
How long did it take to make it?
The printing of the fabric took a few weeks, the video component also took a couple of weeks. The invented instrument, the harrow was created a few years ago.
How long have you been doing things like this?
Perhaps 20 years.
How much did this cost to do?
Fabric costs were maybe $200.
Have you done other things like this?
Yes.
What did you wish you knew before you started this?
We should have done a test video on the two sided fabric. The end result was cool, but some of the video detail was lost.
What’s next?
Always working on new projects, although nothing multimedia in the pipeline right now.
Mitchel Ahern
: Performer/Performance Artist

I am a performer on self-invented musical instruments, particularly on the harrow. I also am a letterpress printer, theatrical producer, lyricist and community arts activist.
Connect with Mitchel Ahern
How I can help you:
Always happy to collaborate!
Always happy to collaborate!
How you can help me:
More collaboration?
More collaboration?