Through the Synesthetic Looking Glass

The two things that surprised me the most while reading the "Synesthesia" articles was that A: There are over 60 varying forms of synesthesia reported worldwide (but apprently only a handful have actually been scientificially studied); and B: within each of the varying forms, similar patterns or trends are noticeable. Firstly, I never would have realized that cases of synesthesia were diverse in definition or occurance to create 60, count 'em 60, different forms. I don't know why, but that is absolutely amazing to me that there is that much variation. I'm sure there are some cases where I cannot even comprehend the stimulations/events that certain synesthetes experience.
I also find it quite interesting, though not hard to believe, that certain forms of synesthesia express similar patterns. I suppose my initial thought would have been that synesthetic experiences were unique to the individual and the individual's brain, but apparently in some instances it is not. Whoda Thunk?
I consider myself an artist of varying forms, working with film and paints, and can understand the ideas and concepts behind synesthesia in art (though in no way consider myself a synesthete). It would appear that the art by the likes of Carol Steen captures what I would generally consider synesthetic experiences. The varying colors flowing together derived from an experience in itself. Marcia Smileck takes a creative spin with photographic synesthesia, attempting to provoke a synesthetic experience for her audience. I find it to be a little simplistic, but certainly effective. Anne Salz truly pulls the effect together with her Vivalde painting. The beautiful variation of the orange anchored by the black figures really creates that flow and feeling that we may indeed be viewing a piece of music.

Responding To the Beat

I'm writing an informal response about our class screening of the Scratch Film Junkies' To The Beat. The film is so visually chaotic and colorful that combined with the beats of the music, the footage seems almost naturally fluid. It was almost mesmerizing the way it was capable of syncing with the soundtrack. I really loved the movement and arrangements of the geometric shapes, particularly the wild movements of the bright blue figures appearing near the beginning of the film. The appearance of circles/bubble-like figures growing and shrinking was also quite beautiful.
I also, really enjoyed the varying thematic sequences presented throughout the film. The general theme of fire was outstandingly represented by bright red swirls and figures created to appear over top of twirling fire within a dark space. And when the images of people were utilized in the film, the scratching on and/or around them created this additional air of mystery such as the circles presented around three different beings, a small girl, small boy, and an older woman. It isn't until they are revealed sitting together in a long shot that you realize they are even connected at all.
The last thing that truly stood out for me was the cleverly placed repetition of comic strip images (they appeared to be comic strip images though they very well could have been magazine or newspaper transfers) all appearing on screen in rapid succession. To me, it added a somewhat cartoonish dynamic to the film, enhancing the playfulness of the piece.