The Sensory Impact of Music on Art

Writing Art Series by Al Gord

Lend your ears to music, open your eyes to painting, and… stop thinking! Just ask yourself whether the work has enabled you to ‘walk about’ into a hitherto unknown world. If the answer is yes, what more do you want?

~ Wassily Kandinsky

From as early as I can remember, music, specifically rock music has always been influential in my life. The energy of the music, the themes in the lyrics, and even the artists themselves have always caught my attention. Yet interestingly enough, for many years I never recognized the inspiration this genre of music could have in my art.

For an artist to enjoy the creative process and share their soul and for the audience to be able to connect with a piece of art, passion has to be felt in the work. This is the struggle I experienced for years, finding that true passion to fuel my work and support me in creating original works of art. Sometimes, for no apparent reason, the inspiration comes to an artist, after years of trying different media and subject matter.

For me it all came together after seeing an unrelated piece of art, dabbling with different techniques – trying to find my voice, and remembering seeing this incredible artist as a child, none other than the amazing Denny Dent, who I encourage everyone to look up if they are not familiar with his work.

Painting people has always been most fascinating for me – to get the proportions and emotions correct is a challenge unto itself. Adding in the extra layer of painting famous musicians, has upped the challenge, one that I embrace. The energy of the rock music can be seen in my art, through the use of a fragmented background, that combines different art techniques. One might even argue that not only does this create movement, and even chaos, but a sense of rhythm and a visual depiction of the music itself.

The music drives me and helps guide my art. What if I was listening to Beethoven or Mozart? Would the piece be different? Would the backgrounds change? Conversely, what if I was painting Beethoven or Mozart but listening to rock music – would that influence the look of the final piece. In time, this may be something I explore. For now, my intent is capturing the emotion of the moment; one where the musician is portrayed in their element – a performance based piece. Sharing my passion behind the music creates a whole different feel to the art – one in which I hope which the viewer can connect.

In the spirt of Kandinsky, see if your eyes can sense the music, the energy, the passion behind the art. Examine the title and see how it is reflected in my work and … stop thinking! Reflect on what the piece means to you and if it has allowed you to ‘walk about’ into a hitherto unknown world. If the answer is yes, then enjoy the experience for what it has to offer.

Breathe In So I Can Breathe You Out by Al Gord

You Can Have Whatever You Want but You Better not Take it From Me by al gord

Al Gord is an up and coming artist who has been a featured artist twice in Niji Magazine. He has exhibited pieces in shows from Toronto, Canada, and New York to the United Kingdom. He combines abstract techniques with figurativism to create Iconic Rock Portraitures. Other series of works include Modern Romantic Expressionist pieces and pieces which focus on mental health awareness and advocacy. Regardless of the subject matter his signature style is clearly recognizable. His work is showcased on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, where he welcomes inquiries, questions, and feedback.

Al Gord and Al Gord Art: All work is the creative and intellectual property of Al Gord and Al Gord Art. No part of my work (specific work, its electronic reproductions or its intellectual property) may be reproduced, copied, modified, transmitted, re-distributed or adapted, without the prior written consent of the artist, Al Gord.