This second image shows a move away from dominate solid colors that I have used throughout the history of this art. Solid colors also dominate this miniseries, including the last project, The Logical Song. The idea for this style change, as previously mentioned, occurred when I rediscovered (once again) my appreciation of the Abstract Expressionist painter Helen Frankenthaler. Even though I don’t pour my paint or use unprimed canvas, her expressive use and mix of colors showed me a different way to apply color. For this project I diluted acrylic paints and used a mix of wet and dry toweling to dab and blend multiple colors. The idea is not to abandon areas of solid colors, but returning to this art’s earliest roots seen in a Little Night Music, with an updated look.

The images show the current configuration of the 12 volt stereo system used in these music boxes. The first system in which the vast majority of projects have used over the years is the Adafruit 20 watt amplifier. This amp requires assemblage and soldering, but is inexpensive. To overcome a back-ordered issue with the Adafruit 20 watt, and future concerns, I research and settled on an alternative amplifier. The Nobsound amplifier, listed as 50 watts, is ready to go and does not require any assemblage or soldering, which is beneficial. It also comes with a 12V power brick that levels the price difference with the Adafruit amplifier. Even though the default power for these artworks is a Lithium battery, they also include a power brick, needed for month long exhibitions.

The current project, seen here with an Adafruit system, is a setup that can also accommodate the Nobsound system as well. The drive continues to simplify the stereo systems used in these music boxes.

Scott Von Holzen