ROD COOPER

sound artist / instrument builder

Rod Cooper began instrument building during his sculpture degree, completed in 1988. Inspired by the noise of the sculpture foundry, he realised the potential for visual sculpture to become musical.

Rod sculpts sound using welders and angle grinders. Each instrument incorporates percussion, strings, mechanical bowing mechanisms, reverb springs and strings. Two main projects are Cooperengineering noise orchestra, featuring 17 performers playing his instruments. The second being the Vessel Project, a large sound sculpture played by several performers simultaneously.  

The metallic sound materials create a bright mysterious quality when played and have a strong visual stage presence.

Rod has performed abroad in the UK, USA, New Zealand, Japan and Indonesia.