Being
raised by an art professor I have heard of synesthesia multiple times in my
life. I knew what it 'meant', but had never really researched it. I definitely
find it to be an interesting subject as it pertains to art.
I
suppose the most interesting aspect of synesthesia that I discovered was how
many artists try to recreate their visions, and sensations on physical media.
Whether it be canvas or film, countless works have been created in an attempt
to explain this phenomenon. They use color, texture, light, shadow, and an ever-foreboding
sense of insanity. Creators, artists, and pioneers look past the world of psychology
that tries to adopt this sensational idea, and transform it into its truest
form; a vision, an artistic vision. As Wikipedia alludes to, we must feel and
experience synesthesia, not define it. I think art is the way to go about this.
It is the only plausible way to describe the complexities of the mind.
Through
research, actually, I became aware that I show signs of this condition. I have
a very strong sense of smell, and am also very visual. It is not unusual that a
certain smell will engulf me with images of past memories, and even people’s
faces. In fact, smells are usually how I remember the people I meet. A personal
example would be my Grandmother. I used to cook breakfast for my grandmother
all the time, and the main thing she liked was sawmill gravy biscuits made from
scratch. Therefore when I think about here I can almost taste the gravy, and I
can also feel myself making the breakfast for her. In the reverse of that
scenario, whenever I smell gravy biscuits it makes me think of her very
heavily.
