My Biggest Lesson: Tom Joyce

A key event that helped to form the artist and sound designer I am today, came when I was at Chelsea College of Arts, studying fine art. I was still exploring my artistic style and interests in the art world and hadn’t yet visualised the career pathway that would take me towards sound design.

It was at this time back in 2000, that ‘Sonic Boom - The Art Of Sound’ was exhibiting at the Hayward Gallery. It was the first major UK sound art exhibition, curated by David Toop and I had little knowledge at that time that sound could be seen as an art form in itself.

The exhibition was made up of a diverse array of installations, performances, sound reactive work, mechanical, organic, electronic, acoustic as well as sculptural sound.

Experiencing this celebration of creativity and observing its recognition on such a scale, opened my eyes and ears to view sound as an art form. It was the turning point for me to focus my artistic studies in the world of sound, which ultimately led to my career in sound design.

Artists from that exhibition included Brian Eno, Max Eastley, Scanner and Ryoji Ikeds, the work of whom still influence me today.

Attending this exhibition and the impact it had on inspiring my career path, taught me to stay curious, to seek out the experiences that nourish my creativity, be that going to galleries, gigs, festivals and to work on my own sound art projects. This would be my advice, feed your creative curiosity and see where it takes you.