Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Abigail Boylen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Abigail thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

My current body of work “Discography: A Visual Exploration of Music” explores my synesthetic experience with music. Synesthesia is a psychological phenomenon where two senses are crossed. In my case, I experience a cross between color and sound. My experience is specifically triggered by music, so while I listen I can see colors and shapes. This project has been meaningful to me because music was my first introduction to the arts. It has always been a consistent part of my life and I often associate my taste in music with the stage of life I am in. When I am creating artwork for this body, I feel vulnerable, but in a very open way. It’s welcoming and joyful to be able to share this part of my life.

Abigail , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am currently a senior painting student at the University of West Georgia and will graduate in December 2024. I started painting as a young child and always enjoyed art as a hobby. However, as I prepared to start college, I started to consider pursuing art as a career. After some back and forth, I made the greatest decision of my life and began my professional art journey.
As far as my current body of work is concerned, it had a somewhat natural development. Originally, I was going to simply create artwork based off of song lyrics and was looking for songs that triggered a visual image. Over time I started to realize a lot of songs triggered a visual experience for me, just not one that was a tangible object or figure. After some research into synesthesia, I realized this was the experience I was having. From that point on, I shifted my concept to better fit with synesthesia. Ever since then, I have been focusing on creating non-objective art that is a representation of my “colored hearing” synesthesia.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I feel that the best way society can support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem is to be encouraging and supportive. For example, having community programs for current creatives and those looking for a new hobby. A simple workshop in a new medium or a figure drawing class at a local community center provides support for both new and current artists who are searching for community and support.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist for me is being able to experiment and grow. A lot of times, I feel that I get caught up in trying to make the most perfect piece. It’s at these times that I have to remind myself why I love art. When I feel frustrated with a piece, I ask myself, “What’s something new I can try?” whether that be using mixed media, trying a color scheme I’ve never used before, trying a new medium, or any other variation that I have not yet considered. When I can experiment and allow myself to have fun making artwork, I feel the happiest and often create the works I am most proud of.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @abigailboylenart