Cory Cullinan has done it again, delivering a thought-provoking auditory and visual masterpiece titled Footprint. This immersive, experimental work is a testament to the creative spark that ignites when passion meets purpose. Combining musical ingenuity with emotional depth, Footprint challenges its audience to engage intellectually, emotionally, and interactively.
Anchored in avant-garde sensibilities and enriched by decades of creative evolution, Footprint invites us to reimagine how we interact with art, sound, and the world around us.
A Creative Journey 35 Years in the Making
Cullinan first conceived Footprint in the late 1980s while studying under electronic music pioneer John Chowning at Stanford University. Though his undergraduate workload made completing the project impossible at the time, the idea never left him. Fast forward to 2024, and the stars aligned. Chowning, now 89, announced plans to attend one of Cullinan’s concerts in San Jose. Fueled by this momentous occasion, Cullinan completed Footprint with the help of his former student and studio manager, Elizabeth Anaya.
This three-decade evolution has birthed a piece that feels both timeless and deeply rooted in the present. Through the magic of modern audio engineering and collaboration, Cullinan’s original vision now resonates in full force, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge execution.
Footprint: Three Formats, One Powerful Message
What sets Footprint apart is its versatility. It exists as an audio piece, a live performance, and a multimedia collaboration. Each version offers a unique entry point into the work’s layered emotional and intellectual themes.
The audio piece made its debut at Stanford, sparking varied interpretations from students who engaged with its abstract yet evocative narrative. Meanwhile, the live performance premiered in San Jose with Chowning himself humorously declaring, “Cory, you did it!” The interactive element of the live show underscored the piece’s central thesis: our environments are shaped by our perceptions and choices.
The multimedia version, crafted by Cullinan’s daughter Sidney, adds another dimension. Her accompanying film explores environmental themes and personal responsibility, seamlessly blending visuals with sound to create a fully immersive experience.
Sidney Cullinan: A Visionary in Her Own Right
Sidney Cullinan’s role in Footprint elevates the project into a family collaboration. A seasoned director and environmental advocate, Sidney infused the work with her distinct voice and expertise. Her accolades include creating campaigns for The Nature Conservancy and directing Grammy-recognized music videos. Through Footprint, she bridges generational creativity, marrying her father’s sonic vision with her own visual and thematic perspectives.
Her contribution is more than a film; it’s an environmental statement. By focusing on the interplay between human actions and natural systems, Sidney adds urgency to Footprint’s contemplative narrative.
Honoring a Mentor: Dr. John Chowning
At the heart of Footprint is a tribute to Dr. John Chowning, whose pioneering work in FM synthesis revolutionized modern music. Cullinan’s dedication to completing the piece in Chowning’s honor speaks to the enduring influence of mentorship and the power of artistic lineage.
Chowning’s lectures and performances, hosted by Cullinan in Colorado this February, will further celebrate his legacy. This collaboration underscores the mutual respect between mentor and protégé, showcasing the dynamic relationship between past innovation and present creativity.
A Lasting Footprint
Footprint isn’t just a piece of music; it’s a call to action. It reminds us that creativity thrives when nurtured, that mentorship shapes futures, and that art can provoke profound introspection.
With Footprint, Cullinan proves that innovation knows no timeline. From its inception in a Stanford classroom to its realization decades later, this project encapsulates the enduring power of vision and collaboration.
As we navigate a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, Footprint offers a beacon of creativity and resilience—a testament to the transformative power of art.
