Flusslab Project Statement

Two Pieces for MIDI Felt Piano 

Not Yet, 2025
Do Not Approach, 2025

The compositions Not Yet and Do Not Approach are invitations… to rest, to slow down, to let go.

Near the piano, you’ll see a plant in a small, black vase: narrow-leaf pepper wort (Lepidium ruderale). The skeletal structure of this plant is a visual representation of seasonal transformation. When the excitement of spring and blooms fade, when leaves and flowers fall to the ground and are replaced by stark stalks and outlines, what do we see? Do we see something “that died” or do we see… a memory of something, but also evidence of transformation? An ending, but also part of a process that is ongoing? When we see a spent plant stalk, can we acknowledge the effort and beauty of its life without immediately yearning for something new? Can we see empty seed heads and be glad that the seeds have spread, without immediately needing to look for spring’s seedlings? Can we rest? Can we be of the season? 

These two compositions seek to emulate the skeletal essence of a spent or post-bloom plant. They both have slow tempos and stripped-down musical structures. The sparse nature of the compositions draws the attention of the listeners closer, nudging them to slow down and notice small changes over time. Do Not Approach uses a left hand ostinato to create a meditative space through repetition. Not Yet is more vertical and spacious… several places of musical rest occur through long, held chords. The endings of both pieces are quiet and invite reflection.