'From Sight to Sound' blog

'From Sight to Sound' blog

How many times have you heard a song on the radio and suddenly you're transported back to a moment in your past? Perhaps to a place or an event like a wedding or a holiday, or maybe you are reminded of a special person that was once in your life or still is?

Music has such a wonderful way of unlocking memories.

In this blog I want to guide you through how I incorporate music into my collage artworks with the aim to trigger that nostalgic feeling inside when viewing a piece of my art and I also want to give you the opportunity to learn more about the inspiring process of mixed media collage along the way.

Understanding The connection between music and visual art

Music and visual art have deep, intertwined connections as both have fundamental principles that they rely on, such as rhythm, harmony, contrast and balance.

Rhythm - In music = Repetition and movement / In art = Patterns, brushstrokes, spacing.

Harmony - In music / In art = Colour theory / composition and unity.

Emotion - In music / In art = mood and tone.

For example:

Jazz Music and Abstract Expressionism - The improvisational nature and complex rhythms align with loose, spontaneous brushwork and bold colour contrasts.

Rock Music and Pop Art/ Graffiti Art - High energy, rebellion and boldness in Rock music mirror the vibrant colours, graphic shapes and iconic imagery in pop art and graffiti art.

Classical Music and Romanticism/ Realism - Classical music's structure and emotive power can inspire detailed, harmonious and rich artworks.

Electronic Music and Digital Art - Repetitive beats and ethereal sounds in electronic music inspire clean lines, repetition and geometric abstraction in art.

Hip Hop Music / R&B and Mixed Media Collage - These genres are grounded in storytelling and sampling so pair well with Collage techniques that combine diverse elements to create new meaning with the layering of text, images and textures.

An example of music inspired collaged art by Stardust Acrylic Art

Gathering Inspiration

1. Select Songs that Resonate - The music you choose forms the emotional and structural backbone of your artwork so make intentional, inspiring choices.

   Think about the mood you want to express, e.g. Joy, Nostalgia, Chaos?

   Personal favourites are also great to use as inspiration as they hold deep, personal meaning, this can help when creating a connected piece.

2. Create a Mood Board - Mood Boards can help translate auditory elements into visual reference points like colours, textures, movements and emotions. to create a physical board you can source your visuals from photos, magazines, books, etc... Alternatively, for those of you who prefer to use tech/digital out there, you can also access apps to create Mood Boards , such as Canva and Pinterest (others are available too).

3. Choosing Tools and Materials - Let your material choices echo the mood and energy of the music that you're channeling. For instance, smooth ambient sounds may be suited to watercolours, pastels or ink washes, while in comparison, high energy rock lends itself to bold acrylics, markers or collage with rough textures.

4. Your Personal Ritual - As you your create music inspired collage art its great to listen to the piece of music or song that has inspired you alongside your creative process, either through headphones or by letting the music fill the room. This makes your process relatable and memorable.

   
   
   
   

   Techniques for Translating Music into Collage Art

   
   

   1. Choose a base - Canvas, paper, board, etc...

   2. Use layering techniques to create depth and texture.

   3. Incorporate lyrics or musical notes into the collage.

   4. Use colours and shapes to represent the mood and rhythm of the music, such as coloured papers, dyed fabrics, paint swatches, etc...

   5. Pull hues from the songs album cover art for consistency.

   6. Use visual metaphors, if a song mentions flying, add birds or wings for instance, or if its about heartbreak use hearts or cracks in your mark making.

   7. Let the tempo of the music guide you and dictate your choices in the collage, such as repeating patterns for a repetitive beat or a build up of layers for a rising crescendo.

   
   

   TOP TIP - Close your eyes, listen and visualise the images that 'feel right',

   
   

   

   "Music is a piece of Art that goes straight to the Heart" - (Quote from Pinterest)

   
   
   
   
   
   

   Showcasing and Sharing your Art

   
   

   Showcasing your music inspired art is as important as making it, its how your work connects and resonates with the viewers. Here are some ideas you could try:

   
   

   1. Create a playlist to pair with each collage as you show it, whether it be physically or online.

   2. Include a QR Code linking the songs to the piece.

   3. Post on social media as a reel with the song playing.

   4. Turn your collage into a digital flipbook or scrollable gallery.

   5. Make themed prints, posters or print sets.

   6. Create a zine with the art, songs and QR codes to playlist included.

   7. Make you art wearable! Print onto t-shirts, hoodies and tote bags.

   8. Bring your art into a physical space, such as a gallery, a pop up shop, makers market or exhibition.

   
   
   
   

   I hope that you have enjoyed my blog and that its helped you in some way, no matter how small, to gain some inspiration to create your own music inspired collage art, let me know, i'd love to see your inspirational collages.

   
   

   Fancy a FREEBIE?

   Did you know? - You can grab my FREE E-BOOK - STARDUST IN OUR VEINS over on the HOME PAGE of my website now, its free if you sign up to my monthly newsletter and packed with tips on unlocking the magic mixed media collage.

   
   

   As always, a huge thank you and I'll be back soon with more hints and tips!

   
   

   Christine at Stardust Acrylic Art