What Does Soil Sound Like?
What does the earth sound like? This summer in Andover, award-winning artist Justin Wiggan and ATU invited the community to find out. Through a series of workshops and performances, residents tuned into the hidden voices of soil, crystals, and even the stars using innovative biosonification technology. From Harmony Woods to Andover Museum to Town Mills Riverside Park, each event offered a unique way to listen, reflect, and create — blending art, science, and community in a celebration of our connection with the natural world. This project was funded by Chapel Arts Studios
🌱 Soil Sounds Workshop at Harmony Woods
At Harmony Woods, we set out to answer a question that sparks curiosity in both children and adults alike: What does soil sound like?
Led by award-winning artist Justin Wiggan, participants explored the hidden life beneath our feet using biosonification devices. These remarkable tools transform natural electrical signals into sound, allowing us to hear the unseen rhythms of the earth.
The workshop took us on a journey through soils from very different places: the ancient Bronze Age ditch, the living richness of the chalk scape, the mulch pile alive with decomposition, and the quiet resistance of the compacted footpath. Each soil sample created a unique soundscape that participants responded to with stories, words, and emotions.
This hands-on exploration not only brought creativity to life but also raised awareness of soil compaction and its impact on the environment. A heartfelt thanks goes to Justin, everyone who joined us, those who worked behind the scenes, and CAS for funding this fascinating project.
🌍 The Earth Has a Voice – Talk & Performance at Andover Museum
At Andover Museum, audiences were treated to an inspiring evening with award-winning artist Justin Wiggan, who shared his life’s journey and the roots of his artistic practice. His central question: How can we give a voice to natural materials that usually go unheard?
The talk introduced us to incredible new technologies and devices that enable us to listen to the world in unexpected ways through biosonification. From the sounds of the sea and trees to the moon, sun, and stars, Justin’s work demonstrates how art and science can meet to help us feel more connected to the universe.
The evening culminated in a reflective performance using the biosonification of an amethyst crystal. Audiences were invited to close their eyes and allow the sound to guide them to unique places within their own imaginations — a moving and meditative close to a remarkable talk.
Special thanks to Justin for his generosity, to Andover Museum for hosting, CAS for funding, and ATU for their behind-the-scenes organisation.
🎶 Soil Sounds Pop-Up Workshop at Town Mills Riverside Park
Our final event brought the Soil Sounds project into the heart of Andover at Town Mills Riverside Park. Here, local residents and curious passers-by were invited to pause and listen to the hidden music of the soil.
Once again guided by Justin Wiggan, biosonification devices transformed soil samples from the chalk scape and the compacted footpath into distinct soundscapes. These sonic experiences sparked creativity as people created words and stories inspired by the sounds, bringing them to life through hands-on exploration.
The pop-up setting created a wonderful sense of openness and accessibility, with people stopping as they passed to join in the experience. It was a truly beautiful end to the project, bringing community, creativity, and environmental awareness together in the heart of the town.
We extend our gratitude to Justin, everyone who took part, the behind-the-scenes support from ATU, and CAS for funding this unique project.
