Young Harpist

[Jean Kelly]

Hi Alex, that mixing of senses your were talking about is called "synesthesia". Michele Rushworth and I have it, colors become sounds or physical sensations, music becomes a symphony of color. There are all kinds of variations. My sense of smell drives me nuts sometimes, especially when it comes to body wash! Some smell "crunchy or prickly", some are hard like chopped ice, but some are velvet.

Your painting definitely has all the rich overtones and undertones of a synesthetic experience!

Jean

[Alexandra Tyng]

That was the word I was trying to think of--like anesthesia but with a different prefix. I've done that, too, as long as I can remember. When I was a little kid, the days of the week all had colors, music (I especially remember Waltz of the Flowers and the Firebird Suite) evoked entire scenes with vivid colors. In fact the original theme or intent of the piece couldn't have mattered less. I even remember an argument I had with a friend in elementary school about what color each day was! I couldn't believe someone could see it differently.

I wonder if most artists experience things this way? Anyone else have synethesia out there?

Thanks, Jean.