Between the Trees (2018 - ), is a site-responsive tree-installation, inspired by the connectivity of mycelium, the ‘internet of the forest’. Framing the beauty of plants and revealing the delicate intricacies of usually invisible subterranean structures, this collaborative, interactive musical ‘instrument’, combines sound and light, live plant material and touch, gently reminding us of our connectedness to the natural world and to each other. Encouraged by a mysterious, mycelium-like creature, participants are invited to ‘play’ the installation by interacting with suspended, miniature ecospheres, creating original compositions together in real time.
Created as a free public event for all ages.

Between the Trees (2018) - 1 min clip from Melinda Hetzel on Vimeo.

Custom software was developed to capture touch interactions, generate music and lights.
Each interactive eco-sphere had an ESP8266 as it’s controller, monitoring touch capacitance and controlling 4 light fixtures. Using an interactive generative machine to drive both the lights and sound using Abelton Live as the sound engine. A custom simulator was also developed to compose the work without installing the installation.