What Is Synesthesia

Synesthesia seems to be everywhere at the moment. I only recently discovered that there was a name for how I see the world. Synesthesia means blended senses and is more common than you might expect.

At first I thought that the colours I can see around people was their aura, then I realised that aura’s change along with mood, emotions and well-being. I soon realised there was a difference. Seeing synesthetically for me is more like seeing someones personality. It is more of a signature representation of them a bit like our voice is personal to us.. (The image below is of Holly Willoughby.)

I love to interpret who people are rather than what they look like literally, for it gives a different perspective of self rather than the usual way we see ourselves and each other.

Synesthesia allows me to stay present in the moment as I take in and engage with my surroundings in a different way than most. It also translates to how I experience music. I see it moving, in colour and alive.

Anyone can experience synesthesia for themselves and develop it. I’m sure you have had the experience of feeling that, for example, its Monday but you say something like, ‘it feels like Wednesday’. What does Wednesday feel like? Have you ever wondered how strange that is? The days definitely have a different feel to them.

In the same way you can look at the letters of the alphabet and connect with them in different ways. Start with ‘a’ what does it feel like? Does it have a colour? What is it like as a capital ‘A’ does it feel different? Does it have a personality? Can you see it engaging whit other letters?

You can do this with all letters. Some find it easy to engage in this way while for others it is alien. Perhaps it is easier to connect with music and sound. If you hear a loud bang, for example, does it have a shape, a colour or create a reaction or emotion in you? Is it dark or light? Bright or dull?

These are just a few ways to connect with life in different ways and to develop your senses to experience your surroundings in new and exciting ways.

The portraits that I create are personal to each person. I discovered that if someone requests a personality portrait or synesthetic portrait they have to be authentic and open about themselves otherwise it is as if I have created a caricature of them. That is how most of us engage with each other, through a carefully crafted persona that is not the ‘real’ them but a representation of who they think they should be.

I get asked a lot - can you see my aura? What colours are around me? Once people know how I see the world they are fascinated to know what they look like. If you are interested to have your personality interpreted I would love to hear from you. We will connect via zoom so I can get a feel for you. I then ask for a photo of you which is embedded within the finished piece so you are in the image although not seen. I spend sometime creating the portrait for you and deliver it digitally for personal use and or printed as required.

I love to see the portraits printed on aluminium s it gives a more ethereal feel to them but they can be printed in acrylic or on canvas as preferred.

If you have any questions I would be happy to answer them for you, so feel free to get in touch.