Sometimes my dollmaking is an opportunity to explore familiar issues,
such as depression, or joy,
or letting go,
in a different way.
It is a musical instrument that does not have to be touched to produce music.
It’s a freaky piece of equipment.
Here is an explanation on how it works that doesn't sound too complicated….
Electro-magnetic waves of very weak energy are generated around the long metal antenna.
These waves are of a definite length and frequency.
The approach of a hand, which is an electrical conductor,
alters the conditions in the electro-magnetic field surrounding the antenna.
This changes its capacity and thus affects the frequency of the current.
A sort of invisible touch is produced in the space surrounding the antenna,
and the pitch increases as the finger is brought nearer the antenna.
Likewise the intensity of the tone is changed by moving the other hand.
The Theremin is equipped another antenna ( the U shaped one) around which more electro-magnetic waves are generated.
Moving the hand toward this antenna causes a change in the degree of the intensity of the current which produces the tone.
Thus by raising the hand over the ring-shaped antenna
the note sounded grows louder and by lowering the hand it grows softer