Work by J. Todd Allison
Work by Morgan Sorne
J. Todd Allison
My current work stems from a series of conversations, readings and memories that serve as a visual allegory aimed at understanding a sense of our cultural place and purpose. Though my experiences are persistent in shaping my reveries I find that I am drawn to visual and verbal artifacts that are reminiscent of earlier imaginings of life. Much like my earlier works these also express my concern for design through codified color arrangements that are intended to both appeal and challenge the significance of the visual artifacts.
Morgan Sorne
If the world lost power, and in a post-apocalyptic existence, people came together with instruments and melodies constructed from remnant artifacts and folk traditions, that result would be SORNE. The music is a tapestry of humanism, calling upon archetypal images, hand-made instruments, ethereal voices, and driving rhythms to forge a new poetry and renewed sense of song. Influences range from Japanese and African folk music, to the electronic beats and melodies of Bjork and to the Beat poetry of Kerouac and Ginsberg.
“House of Stone” is a collection of songs written and composed over the course of four years. Each song is constructed using the voice, hand made instruments, dog ear flaps, old guitars, and found objects. The songs allude to the story of five siblings struggling to defend their heritage against the outside world in the wake of their father’s untimely death. The songs serve as windows and peep holes into this universe as these five orphans struggle to sing their song. SORNE began writing this narrative in 2004 and the full scope of this universe has found its way into his visual art, performance and songwriting. Containing over forty songs and counting, the initial release of “House of Stone” will consist of thirteen songs, followed by five EPs containing alternate versions, the excluded tracks, artwork, and more.