The Art of Seeing Sound

By Zebith Thalden, 2026 Program Presenter
Image Credit: The artwork  A Thrush’s Song by Anthony Young, previous Program Participant

While we were on a silent inspiration walk through the forest in the Cascade Head Biosphere Reserve, Anthony noticed the lovely song of a Swainson’s Thrush. He started sketching considering which colours and shapes could be used and how they might be arranged to represent the sounds he was hearing. Back in the art studio he and the other participants turned their sketches into silent works of art.

By transforming experience into compositions, participants filled the room with artwork that illustrated individual observations while together on a communal outing. Because of Anthony’s piece, we (the viewers) get to witness this ethereal birdsong moving back into the world from the artist!

When creativity embodies our experiences our artwork becomes a personal language and an experiment in translation… one that houses memory and expands far beyond the reaches of mere description, similar to how a writer (or reader) might consider poetry.

Jacelen, another participant shared, “I feel this will be art changing and help me put more meaning or “soul” into my paintings.” In this program, listening becomes presence, looking is an expedition, and touch acknowledges connection to location… a Swainson’s Thrush calls and we are (re)awakened.

This is my invitation to you: take the time to be and reconnect to the fundamental values only found by journeying in person to witness the sounds, scents, feels, and sights that await you!

Join me at Hollyhock this summer!
Program: Awaken Your Senses to Creativity with Zebith Thalden
Dates: June 24-28, 2026
REGISTER HERE