I worked on this collaborative project with Oakland University Assistant Professor of Voice Alta Dantzler and Randall D. Engle, PhD, Instructor, Religious Studies to celebrate the diverse and often mystical creative output of 12th century abbess, prophetess, theologist, artist, and composer Hildegard of Bingen. An interdisciplinary creative in her own right, Hildegard described her creative process as follows: 

“My seeing, hearing, and knowing are simultaneous…The things I write are those that I see and hear in my vision with no words of my own added…they are not like the words of human speech, but are like a blazing flame and a cloud that moves through clear air. I can by no means grasp the form of this light any more than I can stare fully into the sun.” 

In this spirit, we constructed a multimedia performance of Hildegard’s work. Dr. Dantzler sang a variety of her hymns, while I created and projected supporting motion graphics live, simulating the visions Hildegard described having while creating. Randall provided context for the work in the form of a short history of Hildegard’s work. We positioned the audience to face large projection screen, with Dr. Dantzler behind the audience. This was meant to disorient the viewer, transporting them into Hildegard’s headspace, rather than watching the live performers as is typical of a voice concert.

Below are five excerpts of the projected motion design work.