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.