Rachel Hausmann-Schall, artist residency and adult program manager
I have a distinct memory of the first time I experienced painting in combination with sound. It was during a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago in 2013 to see work from José Lerma, a contemporary painter that creates elaborate installations, often combining everyday materials, musical instruments, and home furnishings with finished paintings. In his exhibition, I recall a huge painting—nearly 12 feet wide and 8 feet tall—resting on top of two keyboards. The weight of the painting resting on the keys created a monotonous tone that carried through the entire gallery space. It was interesting to me, because the keyboards were functioning like a musical instrument, but it was as if they were acting in service of the painting that couldn’t physically “play” it like a human would. The sound induced anxiety, confusion, danger, and for me … a bit of wonder and awe. I remember thinking, “what a smart idea.” The physical presence of the canvas was utilized to activate another sensation beyond sight, and I loved that!
Photo credit: Adrienne Maples
In just a couple short weeks, the Woodson Art Museum will welcome Camry Ivory, a Kansas-City based artist who also works with sound and painting, to the Glass Box Studio for a two-week residency. During her time in Wausau, Camry will work with multiple audiences, ranging from Summer Art Sessions students to individuals with low vision and blindness during the Museum’s Art Beyond Sight program.
Photo credit: Scout Tufankjian
Throughout her residency, community members will have the opportunity to engage with Coloratura, a musical paintbrush technology developed by Camry. As a self-taught artist with a background in music and an interest in technology, Camry invented a custom paintbrush that allows users to create sounds as they paint on a conductive canvas. Each brushstroke produces a different musical note, letting users paint with sound and explore the connection between visual art and music. Learn more about Camry’s background and journey as a self-taught artist during her Guest Artist Talk on Saturday, July 25 at 2 pm and then join Camry on Thursday, July 30 from 5 – 6 pm in the Museum’s Sculpture Garden to experiment with Coloratura and try your hand at painting with sound. Each person that utilizes Coloratura will make art that’s also music to our ears!
Last year, the Museum created an open call for residencies at the Glass Box Studio, which allows interested artists to apply with a proposal for a project, community programming, or simply to share their work with the Wausau community. Camry was the first artist that the Museum selected from this open call, and we are eager to share her work and Coloratura with our audiences. The open call for residencies will occur annually, and the application portal opens next week on July 15, with a deadline of October 1. We are excited to continue providing opportunities for our community to engage with visual artists, perhaps in more ways than just sight. Working with artists is music to our ears!
Photo credit: Scout Tufankjian
