Three electromechanical 'fireflies' based on Alexander Weber's 'synchronizing fireflies' project.

The original version uses a number of identical electronic circuits equipped with LEDs and light sensors to create a self-organising system. The fireflies start out flashing randomly and gradually synchronise and create complex patterns through a series of simple rules.

This project takes that circuit as a starting point, but uses microphones instead of light sensors and solenoids striking glockenspiel bars instead of LEDs. The fireflies listen to each other and create their own rhythms.

I used four of these in a performance at Huddersfield University as part of their 'Gemdays' festival in January 2010, using an ebow to play sustained notes to influence and interact with them.