NURTURE SOUNDS

A continually evolving project that is both an active collection and an exploration of the impact of sonic environments on growth and development. Specifically, looking at how the sounds created by a mother not only impact the mental, emotional, spiritual, and bodily well-being of a child but also play a huge part in weaving together the tapestry of a person.

We are currently accepting submissions to be included in the collection; all languages and nationalities are welcome. If you are a mother, consider participating in this art project.

We are currently accepting submissions to be included in the collection; all languages and nationalities are welcome. If you are a mother, consider participating in this art project.

The Sounds

  • ✺

    Born from body and words. Prayers of hope and protection whispered softly.

  • ✺

    Gentle hushing sounds. Natural, organic, human, white-noise.

  • ✺

    Deep breaths, slow, deep inhales and long, steady exhales.

Submit Audio

INSTRUCTIONS

Finding A Place

Find a quiet space with little to no background noise, preferably indoors, in a space where ambient sounds like wind, traffic, birds, air conditioning, etc. aren’t too loud.

Choosing Your Mic

Your phone’s microphone is great for making a voice recording. If you have access to a professional microphone, feel free to use that, but for the purposes of this project, it is not necessary.

The Content

You can submit a prayer, hush sounds, and/or deep breaths. If you submit all three, please record them separately and submit them as three individual files. Ensure the prayer is completely original to avoid copyright infringement issues.

Naming The Audio Files

If you are able to name the audio files, great, if not, that is okay. Within most recording apps on your phone, you should be able to name or edit the name of the recording. If so, please include your name and whether it is a prayer, deep breaths, or hush sounds.

Finding A Time

Set aside a time and space free of distractions, take a few deep breaths, and get into the right mindset of peace. Your state of mind will reflect in the sound of your voice.

Getting Set Up

If recording with your phone, hold your phone roughly 8cm (3 inches) away from your mouth. Be sure that you are not moving around or accidentally tapping your phone with hair, clothes, or jewelry. Any additional noises could compromise the audio quality.

When Recording

Please speak your home language and dialect. Aside from that, please whisper the prayer as quietly as possible while still being intelligible. The hushing sounds should be your instinct in how you would soothe and calm a baby. (While recording hushing sounds and breaths, turn your face slightly to the side of the microphone to avoid distortion)

Audio File Length

Breaths and hush sounds should be around 30 seconds of audio, where the prayer can be somewhere between 30 seconds and 5 minutes.

  • This collection is in its early stages, with the first iteration set to be shared here in Fall 2025. Submissions received after July 1, 2025, will be included in the second iteration.