“I try to apply colors like words that shape poems, like notes that shape music.” Joan Miro
While researching the neuroscience of color on health for Engaging The Senses, ( an uncommonly sensible guide to creating a beautiful life) , I came across this video “Synesthesia by Andrew McMahon” and thought it would be appropriate to include here.
According to a recent piece in Psychology Today by Maureen Seaberg, Singer-songwriter Andrew McMahon was in the hospital battling leukemia around 2005 when he first heard the word: synesthesia.
Another patient in the hospital had acquired the cross-sensory trait, as sometimes happens, during brain surgery to remove a malignant tumor. The young man could suddenly see color that wasn’t there before. He became an artist, sharing his visions with the public. Though Andrew lost track of his fellow patient, he never forgot him.
The former member of the bands Jack’s Mannequin and Something Corporate made a note in the journal he keeps full of his inspirations for future lyrics: synesthesia.
Blessedly, Andrew recovered and has been in remission for eight years. Not long ago, writing music to strike out as a solo act, he went into the studio with his producer to lay down the first tracks of what would become the EP “Pop Underground,” which he released in April. They were trying to come up with a compelling chorus when Andrew remembered the young man from the hospital and the note in his journal. Suddenly, the inspired lyrics came out:
And I see colors when I hear your voice
Put on your wings that put gravity on trial
And I see colors, I don’t hear the noise
Because we’re only flying for a while
Because we’re only flying for a while
It made the song soar and the piece would become the first release from the EP on June 13.
Apparently Synesthesia is seven times more common among artists, novelists and poets, and creative people in general, and according to neuroscientist,Dr. Vilayanur S. Ramachandran, “artists often have the ability to link unconnected domains,have the power of metaphor and the capability of blending realities.”
I believe we are all creative beings, so whether you think of yourself as an artist, or are interested in the art of living, I am wishing you an engagingly beautiful blend of all the best life has to offer.
Hope to ‘see’ and ‘hear’ from you again soon!
Sabrina <3
