From the “Evolution of the Senses” series, this is based on the first image I completed for “Sound”. The Cochlea is found in the inner ear. Filled with fluid, it transmits the pressure of sound waves to sensitive hair cells of the organ of Corti, which ultimately are transmitted to the brain.

Microscope Image of Cochlea courtesy of James O. Pickles, University of Queenslands.

Greek Passion for Music,
18" x 24", mixed media, 2003. $650 framed. Prints $450.

This woman is playing an aulos, an instrument only played by slaves, courtesans and entertainers in ancient Greek times*. She reclines among hair cells of the inner ear, which bend to the sounds of the music and transfers them to the brain.

Microscope Image of inner ear hair cells (cilia) courtesy of James O. Pickles, University of Queensland. *A History of Western Music" by Donald J. Grout and Claude V. Palisca. Norton and Company, Inc., ISBN 0-393-97527-4.

Remeniscent of a chorus, a pipe organ, or perhaps columns on an ancient Greek stage, inner ear hair cells provide a backdrop for the chorus of a drama performed for the god Dionysus. Music captivated the Greeks, making musicians wealthy citizens, providing a core element to religious ceremonies, and thought to influence much more. Inseparable from numbers, music held for them the key to the spiritual and physical universe*.

Microscope Image of inner ear hair cells (cilia) courtesy of James O. Pickles, University of Queensland. *A History of Western Music" by Donald J. Grout and Claude V. Palisca. Norton and Company, Inc., ISBN 0-393-97527-4

African culture has music and rhythm at its heart. Microscope Image of inner ear hair cells (cilia) courtesy of James O. Pickles, University of Queensland. See the fantastic book "African Ceremonies" by Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher, Harry N. Abrams, Inc., Publishers, 2002.

African Nafara Dancers, 18" x 24", mixed media, 2003. $650 framed. Prints available $450.
Nafara Dancers reference from the book "African Ceremonies" by Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher, Harry N. Abrams, Inc., Publishers, 2002. Micscope Image of inner ear hair cells (cilia) courtesy of James O. Pickles, University of Queensland..