Why I love using symbolism in my art
Just like locks on a bridge symbolise eternal love, using symbols in artworks can create extra meaning.
Many moons ago when I was a young woman studying for my Bachelor of Music, I had two great academic loves that equally competed for my attention. Firstly, playing piano, where my fingers moved across the keys, creating beautiful sounds filled with rich melodies, intricate counterpoint and uplifting harmonies. Secondly, my love for studying and learning all about the history of music.
Some students saw studying the history of music as an unnecessary evil that got in the way of their practice. Not me, I couldn’t get enough of it. I was fascinated how and why composers across the ages composed the way they did. I wanted to know what exactly inspired them to write and to try and understand what was it that helped to make their work so special.
As I studied music history subject after subject, one common thread that I noticed seemed to consistently appear across the music ages was the fact that many composers cleverly incorporated symbolism into their compositions.
For many, it wasn’t just how the music sounded that was important to them, but also the physical placement of notes on the page. I was (and remain) so inspired by the fact that the music score, in many ways, was as much an artwork as the promise of the sounds contained within it.
Handel’s Messiah? He used symbolism in this masterpiece; if you look closely at the score, including the moment when Christ was crucified you’ll see it in action. Bach? Symbolism embedded throughout some of his major works. Schubert? That man was an absolute master (check out his song-cycles if you’re intrigued. I can recommend “Der Erl King” as a good starting point…). I could go on and on, but I won’t.
Anyway, this background knowledge of the importance of symbolism in the arts has never left me.
I wanted to explore and continue this practice when I create my artworks. When I paint I don’t just think of my artworks as being a “pretty picture”, although of course I hope they are incredibly pleasing to the eye. I create my artworks because I’m inspired to try and enrich and empower people’s lives – to put a smile on their face, to make them feel supported, less alone or that there is always hope in the world, no matter how dark any moment in time may be.
As I work create my artworks I consider “Why am I using this colour?”, “Why am I painting this flower?”, “What is my purpose?” “What feeling or message am I trying to convey?” Only when I can answer these questions do I place paint on the page… While there is freedom in my style, it is done so with great thought and contemplation along the way.
I’ve been very interested that people will often share they experience an emotional connection when they see my pieces, but interestingly, they can’t always explain why. I always wonder to myself - are they responding to the symbolism?
About Kirstie Page
Kirstie Page is an Australian mixed media artist, classically trained musician and former dementia trainer with experience working on the front line in aged care. Kirstie creates beautifully uplifting artworks that incorporate her understanding of science and dementia to provide comfort and joy to people, including those living with dementia and other health conditions.