The Baserbow: An Instrument based on the exploration of the concept of mimetic participation for the development of multi-modal and multi-gestural devices

The focus of this research enquiry is to consider and explore how the interactive experience between a performer and his/her tools can be further enhanced and refined beyond current state-of-the-art equipment by aligning the design of multi-gestural and inter-modal midi controllers to support empathetic, mimetic participation. The first project of this research includes the development of a controller, based on guitar, and using lasers and sensors detecting gestural parameters. The visual aspect of the controller will inform the audience of the music and its relationship to the performer and controller, enabling the empathetic, mimetic participation, producing an immersive and shared experience. Arnie Cox asks “Do you ever find yourself tapping your toe to music?” [3] and goes on to say “we experience patterns of exertion by way of mimetic participation, and in this way it is as if we are acting - acting in a way that is more or less isomorphic with the sound producing actions heard (and seen).” [6] This paper will cover the context around mimetic participation, intermodality, and gesture.