receptive vessels by adi toch react to your vocal tones

london-based metalsmith adi toch has created a series of pouring vessels on stilts that respond to human voice with gentle movement. through a sensitive and surprising interaction, the installation explores the relationship between the spectator and a potentially sentient object. 

pouring vessels on stilts, crafted with mixed metals, resemble ancient greek amphora jars
images © nicola tree

exhibited for the first time during the collect art fair at the saatchi gallery alongside the contemporary applied arts gallery, adi toch‘s receptive vessels evoke the ancient greek amphorae jar supported by tripod stands. the contrast of full-bodied vessels and slender supporting ‘stilts’ encourages subtle trembling of the pieces; even more, through the displayed installation, potential interaction and movement is amplified. to create this desired effect, toch has developed her experimental display in collaboration with sound specialists john henry’s Ltd.

adi toch, receptive vessels, collect art fair, the saatchi gallery, 2017
film © will hazell

once presented in front of the installation, viewers are encouraged to gently speak or even sing to trigger the vessels’ reaction. by doing so, the designer offers a playful interpretation of museum displays, an experience that is an antidote to the traditionally hushed gallery environment. each piece is hand made in toch’s london studio; materials include silver, brass, patinated gilding metal and stainless steel

silver vessels, reacting to vocal tones

patinated gilding metal

each piece is hand made in toch’s london studio 

testing receptive vessels at john henry’s studios
video courtesy of  val toch

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom