Todd Larson

I’m passionate about art, music, design and creative endeavors that bring people together around positive change. My experience leading technology teams in higher education has allowed me to work on many projects to enhance learning and creative exploration. For my work in higher education technology, see my LinkedIn page.

CV available on request.

Music / Sound / Audio

As the founder of Basic Food Group, formed in 1986, I’ve performed and recorded with Steve Boyles, Rik Sferra, Hall Sanders, Michael Bruns, Ben Glaros, Eliot Larson and others. The band continues to work on new music, and has released a follow-up to the critically acclaimed "Three Squares" as a two-volume edition of scores.

Performing and recording on the electric and acoustic bass since middle school, I've enjoyed working with artists across the spectrum, with concentrations in jazz, experimental, free improv, R&B and New Music. These musicians include Ginger Commodore and Slice, Paul Vachon, Peggy Clark, Bill Gabrys, Doug Kuehn, Giorge Pettus (Rest in peace ), 2 Mikes In Racin' Wagon, and many uncredited appearances on commercials and demos. In spring 2019 I recorded with Cheap Charms and have launched an new jazz quartet, Dream Kitchen, with Joyce McBride, Jeff Kaszubinski and Jeff Pera.

As a composer and sound designer I've created soundtracks for documentary and narrative films, including "Long Gone", directed by David Eberhardt, and Rik Sferra’s award winning video wall installation “Cultural Dysfunction in America”. More recently, I worked with Clint Imboden on sound design for his installation for the "Let Me Be A Witness" exhibition at Root Division gallery in San Francisco.

I received an Artist Opportunity award in Music Composition from the Minnesota State Arts Board, and was commissioned to create a new audio work for radio by KFAI.

Formal education includes studies with Ona Pinsonneault, Carlo Minnetti, David Nye Brown and Steve Erquiaga.

Installations / Visual Art

Creating visual and experiential work in photography and installation, I aim to bring clarity to the increasingly dense aural-visual landscape. Work in this area includes the immersive digital sound installation "To Hear You Speak" (1987) and the audio for broadcast composition "Attention Span", commissioned by KFAI radio.

Moving from large format analog to digital street photography, my current work surfaces the textures and poetic compositions of the urban hardscape and dissonant comments on politics, technology and human behavior.

I received a BFA in Media Arts from Minneapolis College of Art & Design.

Mid Century Modern Design

I’ve studied architecture and design since the early 1990s, and developed a passion for collecting and restoring the designs of Charles and Ray Eames. Please contact me for sales, appraisals and other opportunities.

Communities

Volunteer work includes service on the board of directors of the Berrett-Koehler Foundation, MCAD Alumni Network and Leonardo's Basement. I'm also a supporter of the Center for New Music and the California Jazz Conservatory.

I also work as a consultant for The Dome Center for Art, Music, and Dance and the Dead Media Center Oakland.