While browsing through photos taken by the Chandra x-observatory telescope for Nasa, the group of stars shining so brightly together in this image stuck out to me instantly. It almost seemed as though they were a group, a unit of some sort, that was chatting with one another. I wanted the music accompanying the image to convey a sense of playful banter between companions. Together, I think this image and sound can be seen as a group of stars in joyful communion with one another. Whether they are friends, neighbors, family members, or a group with a common interest meeting for the first time. Or maybe they’re a band! What may be taking place amongst this cluster of stars is open for interpretation, but it is safe to say they’re having a stellar time with one another.
Derivative Work: Cosmic Comrades by Melody Murray. Licensed under CC 4.0.
When approaching this project, I knew I wanted to find an image that portrayed the stars or the ocean; something that created a sense of vastness. I usually try to find positivity and hope in every situation, so I decided to try to create something that goes somewhat against that. I wanted something that gave the feeling of realizing how we are a tiny part of a huge universe. This image feels like the creator is far off from maybe a place they would rather be, framed by the endless, starry sky.
Adding this specific piece of music does transform the picture. If a more ethereal, upbeat piece was put with it, it could invoke a feeling of potential and reaching for your dreams. The chosen piece is more somber and haunting, as its creator put it, leading to a sense of sadness and being lost.
Melancholy Daydreams by Christina Mumpower is a derivative licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
“Rainbowvega” by Alex Garnik is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license (CC BY 3.0)“Windglockenspiel.Koshi.ogg” by Membeth is licensed under Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication (CC0 1.0)
As a child, before my family put a pool in our backyard, my dad would turn the sprinklers on hot, sunny summer days for my sister and me to run through. Barefoot, we would run through the spray of the water, screaming and laughing. When the sun hit the water just right, a rainbow would form through the cold spray, making it feel like magic. Other afternoons in my grandparents’ yard, we would do the same, donning our swimsuits and running through the water as our grandparents looked on, smiling from the back porch. My grandmother had many wind chimes in her backyard garden, and on summer days, such as the one I described, they would always chime, moved by the occasional summer breeze. When I found this picture, it reminded me of childhood and the sounds that come with it, including the sweet wind chimes of my grandma’s garden. Alone, this image is not complicated, but a picture of a child having fun and playing in sprinklers with a beautiful rainbow forming behind. Paired together, this picture of a child playing in the spray of a sprinkler and the nostalgic sound of the wind chimes of my childhood create a bittersweet look at childhood for me. It reminds me of my grandparents’ house, which, after their passing, was sold and is no longer a place I can ever visit again, except in my fond childhood memories. The picture and sound together paint a picture of nostalgia and longing for childhood, something that is long over and only lives in memory.
Railroads and trains have always felt nostalgic to me, so I gravitated towards images of them for this assignment. Where I grew up, we had to cross a set of railroad tracks to get onto the highway, so crossing them always felt like a sign of an adventure. Now, I see them most often whenever I have to cross through the seemingly-empty middle of Florida to visit my family on the other coast, which are trips filled with both solitude and nice music. Railroads always reminded me of travel, and now I associate them with my long-distance driving playlist of folk, blues, and indie music. So, I decided to combine the picture of railroad tracks with a blues song by Kevin MacLeod (though the song was trimmed in order for it to be uploaded). Now you can feel like you’re along for the ride with me!
For this derivative work use: “Railroad Blues” by Alyssa Mitchinson is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
This image drew me in as it is a walk I think I need to be on today. The sound and the image together are reflecting how I am feeling given the state of my world currently and maybe the world as a whole currently. I understand that this will pass but right now everything feels pretty somber and desolate like this winter forest path.
While searching for images, I came across this picture of the Lady Luck building taken in Vegas, circa 2007 by Dan4th. The song, created by Francisco Pinto, is titled Tele-Viaje-Interior, which pretty roughly translates to remote inner journey. That building there doesn’t look like that anymore. In fact, the whole block has changed since then, but here it looks not just stuck in time but in space. Not here space, but slightly-over-there space, just out of your reach. The dusky sky makes it look like it spontaneously re-appeared on Mars, with its structure intact and framed by the planet’s blue-gray sunsets. There’s no valet, and the tarped fence leading into the entrance gives you the feeling that it’s the last stop (only stop?) on our far out rock. As you’re treading the moving walkway toward the doorway, this is the music that starts pumping through your spacesuit. Everything looks the same on the inside, but you weren’t there in Nevada, and the picture only shows what it shows, so what can you know? Back here now, it’s called the Downtown Grand Hotel. You can look it up.
Earlier this week, I was watching a TikTok video of a line of individuals at a Japanese Jiin, attempting to lift a giant spear of steel weighing over 210 pounds. This supposedly was the spear of Benkei, a folk hero of Japan, known for his inhuman strength. In the image above, he is seen reaching for it, to parry another famed warrior, Minamoto no Yoshitsune. I couldn’t help but to get into the rabbit hole of these characters of history – they reminded me of the heroes I read of in comic books or watch in an anime. Now, to find out Benkai passed at the same age as me after slaying 300 soldiers, dying while standing after struck by a volley of arrows…. On one hand, I do not want to go down like that; but on the other, what a way to live – to choose the way you die, to instill fear after your last breath is drawn. These are stories that are retold; music is played in homage to them nearly a millennium later… It’s inspiring.
I promised myself, as a reward for completing this program, I would like to study a martial arts and focus on improving my physical balance, strength, and form. This image and these stories will act as further information, until I too can wield a spear twice my height across a bridge to the drums of history!
My name is Oi Kwan Lui, but you are welcome to call me Shirley. I’m currently in my second year of the Information Science program, continuing to build on my interest in how people access, use, and share information. Before starting this degree, I completed my undergraduate studies in Hospitality Management in Rhode Island, where I also experienced my very first snowfall—and even tried skiing for the first time, which was both unforgettable and a little terrifying in the best way.
I work at the Jacksonville Public Library, a place that has become a meaningful part of my life and career. I first joined the library as a part‑time employee when my daughter was still in elementary school, and over the years, I’ve grown alongside the organization. Now I’m a full‑time employee—and soon to transition into an adult librarian role—which has allowed me to help people find the resources they need and answer questions. One of my favorite parts of the job is participating in outreach events, whether visiting local colleges, senior centers, or other community spaces. These opportunities let me meet people where they are and strengthen the library’s relationship with the broader community.
In my free time, I love exploring food, and I’m always excited to try any kinds of cuisine—whether it’s something familiar or completely new to me. These days, I don’t read as much for leisure because most of my reading time is taken up by school assignments and projects, but I still enjoy the idea of getting back into it when things slow down. I also spend a lot of time listening to music, which helps me relax, and I enjoy unwinding with different dramas. The most recent one on my list is His or Hers, a show that two of my friends recommended to me, so I’m looking forward to seeing what all the excitement is about.
I’m really excited about this class because it gives me the opportunity to learn more about media and explore how different forms of technology shape the way we communicate. I’m looking forward to strengthening my technical skills and gaining hands‑on experience, but I am also hoping to develop a clearer understanding of how media and information systems intersect in real‑world environments.
I was drawn to this image because it reminds me of the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York, where I grew up spending a lot of time hiking and exploring wooded trails. This type of scenery brings me a strong sense of calm and peace, and it reflects the kind of environment I still enjoy returning to when I need to slow down or feel grounded. On its own, the image feels quiet, familiar, and inviting.
For the audio, I intentionally chose a sound that contrasts with that feeling. The assignment encouraged us to avoid obvious pairings, such as calming music or natural forest sounds, so I selected a more unsettling, “creepy” ambient drone. When combined with the image, the meaning shifts. Instead of feeling purely peaceful, the forest path becomes more unclear and slightly uneasy. The audio alters the viewer’s interpretation, suggesting that the trail may hold something unknown or unseen beyond the frame. Together, the image and sound create a new experience, one that challenges the sense of calm I personally associate with this type of landscape and invites the viewer to question what lies ahead.
Record stores are one of those places where time travel and instant teleportation are possible. Exploring the global section (my favorite section) and finding music, artists, and songs I’ve never heard of before is just like going on a journey. My mind fills with questions: What is this artist doing now? Are they even still alive? Did they ever think their song would reach someone in the United States fifty years after its release?
While the photo Standing In Line on Record Store Day 2014 (Explored) by Seth Anderson was taken around 10 years ago, the black and white editing made it appear more vintage. Once I looked closer, I could clearly see the photo’s modernity by the posters (I see you Coldplay) and contemporary fashion. I decided to go along with the perceived “vintage” theme anyway and chose the funky rock song “Wah Game Loop” by Kevin MacLeod, imagining the music sounding through the speakers as patrons browsed the record store.
Terms of Use: “A Day at the Record Store” by Alih Rosa is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
