Ellen Fullman

Ellen Fullman works as an artist who both performs music and sculpts sonic forms. She integrates her enduring passions for auditory experiences and physical shapes to explore fresh creative paths, guided sometimes by intention and at other times by serendipity. Upon completing her B.F.A. in sculpture at the Kansas City Art Institute, Fullman presented an early piece titled "Streetwalker" during the 1980 New Music America event in Minneapolis, donning her "Metal Skirt Sound Sculpture." Shortly thereafter, she observed the prolonged, spectral resonances produced by extended vibrating wires, an unforeseen observation that initiated her enduring endeavor known as the Long String Instrument. This apparatus features 100 wires—bass strings extending 90 feet and treble strings ranging from 30 to 60 feet—tuned according to just intonation principles, and three musicians activate its uncanny tones by lightly stroking the strings. Development and documentation of this invention spanned considerable time, with her initial release featuring it being the 1985 album Long String Instrument issued by the Dutch Apollo Records label, followed by Change of Direction in 1999.

Beyond the Long String Instrument, which represents a central focus across her professional life, Fullman has engaged in numerous additional endeavors. She earned a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship in 1986, while further recognitions encompass NEA Visual Artists Fellowships in New Genres for both 1989 and 1990, along with a 1992 New Forms Regional Initiative project grant supporting her partnership with vocalist Tina Marsh. Additional joint efforts include the 1986-1989 composer and choreographer collaboration with Deborah Hay on "The Man Who Grew in Common Wisdom" located in Austin, TX, as well as a contribution to Poi Dog Pondering's Volo Volo album from 1992.

Fullman maintains ongoing work with the Deep Listening Band, releasing Body Music and Staggered Stasis through their Deep Listening imprint. At present she instructs composition courses and conducts sound meditations from her Candy Factory studio situated in Austin.