Seeing Sound In Color: An Interview With Soundwaves Artist Tim Wakefield
Katharine Richardson
Posted On November 28, 2016
Fascinated by turning something you hear into something you see, visual artist Tim Wakefield launched the Soundwaves Art Icons of Music fundraiser this month on Generosity.com. The event gives dedicated an opportunity to purchase unique, autographed canvases for a notable cause. The vivid original artwork is inspired by some of the most popular names in music, including Americana all-stars like The Avett Brothers, Jason Isbell, Mumford & Sons, and Robert Plant and Band of Joy.
In 2014 Wakefield offered his creations in an effort with Austin City Limits to benefit ACL, KLRU, and Austin PBS; through his work they raised over $40,000. Proceeds from this charitable campaign will benefit a number on nonprofit organizations, including MusiCorps, War Child, Hope & Homes for Children, and Music Rising. In this exclusive interview, Wakefield describes his own inspirations through a vast palette of music.
How did the concept of Soundwaves Art come to you?
TIM WAKEFIELD: I have always seen sound in color. I saw The Who at Wembley as a boy and spent all night looking at the lasers. Today’s technology allows bands to use their stage sets as a moving gallery. Some of the best artwork I have seen has been behind a performing band. Roger Waters, The Wall, any Muse set and The Who’s last tour were all amazing.
You have pieces inspired by a lot of musical styles. How would you describe your taste in music?
I grew up in England in the ‘70s. Bowie and Pink Floyd gave way to The Clash and The Stranglers in my crazy teenage years. Living in the US has opened my eyes to music that is based in different cultures. Trips through Nashville, Lafayette, Mississippi, Muscle Shoals and of course living in Austin have given my taste in music a new lease of life. Perfect festival lineup: Shovels & Rope, Buddy and Julie Miller, JD McPherson, Jason Isbell, BB King, The Avett Brothers, The Clash, Pink Floyd. You gotta dream!!!!
What are some of your favorite responses from artists when they see your work?
Dolly requested artwork for herself which was amazing. The Killers wanted a piece to hang in the studio. I know pieces hang in the homes of many musicians. I love the fact that artists come back and work a second or third time. It is very flattering. My one sadness was BB King passing away although he had agreed to sign artwork. Would love to have met the great man.
Soundwaves Art for Jason Isbell’s “Cover Me Up”
Americana fans will appreciate the pieces based on songs by The Avett Brothers, Jason Isbell, and Mumford & Sons. Why does that music speak to you?
Americana is as much about the words as the music. The Avetts write beautifully crafted songs as does Jason Isbell. You get something new every time you listen. So much of today’s music is lazy and leaves me cold. Could be my age. If we are talking about Sturgill Simpson, Shovels & Rope, Nathaniel Rateliff, the energy and live performances blow you away. As for Mumford & Sons you have to feel a sense of pride as an Englishman that a group of London boys can write as if they born and bred in Americana music culture.
What is your process for selecting the best colors to represent the song?
As soon as I listen to the song I know where I am heading. Sometimes I surprise myself by what I decide. It is simply my interpretation and I am happy if people like it. It is all subjective and I certainly don’t expect everyone to get it.
For you, what is the biggest reward for the Soundwaves Art Campaign?
The bigger picture is that we have raised a great deal of money to help so many worthy causes. I try to write an email to every buyer as I understand that they have spent their hard earned money on something that clearly means a lot to them. I hope that when a collector hangs a piece of my work they stand back and feel pleased about their purchase and also understand that they have helped someone in need.
