The Tale of the Senses; Sense of Hearing

These are in progress paintings on the sense of hearing. Like our senses of sight and taste, hearing uses cilia to detect and transmit sound information. More on the sense of hearing will appear here as the paintings develop.

“Cochlea Surrounded by Waves II”, 30” x 36”, oil on canvas / mixed media, 2005, Sold.

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 Queensland

Greek Passion for Music,
18" x 24", mixed media, 2003. $1,480.
Avaliable for Purchase

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

A Chorus for Dionysus,
18" x 24", mixed media, 2003. $1,480
Available for Purchase

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 Rhythm Women,
18" x 24", mixed media, 2003. $1,480 framed.
Avaliable for Purchase

African culture has music and rhythm at its heart. I can only gasp and admire the sounds and sights they surround themselves with and are surrounded by.*

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. $1,480.
Avaliable for Purchase

African culture has music and rhythm at its heart. I can only gasp and admire the sounds and sights they surround themselves with and are surrounded by.*

Microscope Image of inner ear hair cells (cilia) courtesy of James O. Pickles, University of Queensland.

*Nafara Dancers reference from the book "African Ceremonies" by Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher, Harry N. Abrams, Inc., Publishers, 2002.