EXPERIMENTAL MEDIA

EXPERIMENTAL MEDIA – SOUNDSCAPE  

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                                              "Summer Storm" by Lindsey Kustusch

An Experimental Soundtrack

Painting: "Summer Storm" by Lindsey Kustusch  

The painting shows a rainy city street at night, illuminated by streetlights and neon signs. Reflections shimmer on the wet pavement as people move through the urban landscape. The artwork captures the fast-paced, dynamic atmosphere of the city, blending movement, light, and weather into a moody and immersive scene. The painting’s combination of movement and stillness creates a powerful sensory experience. The contrast between light and shadow, noise and quiet, adds to the complexity of the urban environment. This inspired a soundscape that mirrors the city’s rhythm and energy.  

 

What You Can See from This Picture

- A busy street with cars passing by  

- People walking with umbrellas, some in a hurry  

- Puddles reflecting city lights  

- Buildings glowing under neon signs  

- A stormy sky in the distance  

What Sounds Can Be Heard in This Picture 

- Cars whooshing past on wet roads  

- Footsteps splashing through puddles  

- Distant thunder rolling across the sky  

- The soft patter of light rain on sidewalks  

- Faint sirens echoing through the city  

- People talking and walking by  

- A distant voice shouting  

- The hum of street ambiance  

 About the Art and Artist  

Painting Title:  Summer Storm

Artist: Lindsey Kustusch  

Lindsey Kustusch is known for her expressive cityscapes that capture the essence of urban life. Her work often highlights the energy and emotion of a place, using bold brushstrokes and vibrant contrasts to create depth and atmosphere. This piece inspired the creation of a layered soundscape that brings the city to life through sound.  

Sound Design Steps  

Initial Observation

- Identified key visual elements: the streets, the people, the cars, the lights, and the rain.  

- Noted the balance between movement and stillness, creating a mix of quiet moments and bursts of activity.  

Identifying Natural Sounds 

- Cars moving through the wet streets  

- People walking and talking  

- Rain tapping on surfaces  

- Thunder rolling in the distance  

- Sirens blending into the background  

- Footsteps splashing in puddles  

 Process 

- Used Foley sounds from Epidemic Sound, Envato, and YouTube.  

- Selected natural and ambient sounds to reflect the mood and atmosphere.  

- Layered background sounds to create depth and realism, balancing the calm and chaos of the city.  

Editing the Sound on Software

Software Used: DaVinci Resolve 

Steps:  

- Imported selected sounds into DaVinci Resolve.  

- Arranged sounds into separate layers: street ambiance, background rain, and key focal sounds.  

- Adjusted sound levels to create a smooth and natural blend between different elements.  

Final Sound Film

The final soundscape captures the atmosphere of the painting, using a mix of natural and urban sounds. It begins with the quiet patter of rain, gradually introducing distant traffic, footsteps, and occasional voices. The sound of cars splashing through puddles and distant thunder adds to the moody feel. The layering of sounds creates an immersive experience, bringing the painting to life through audio.  

Impact on the Painting  

The soundscape transforms the painting from a still image into a living scene. The addition of sound enhances the viewer’s connection to the artwork, making the city feel more real and engaging. The background noise adds movement and emotion, deepening the experience of the urban night setting.  

Self-Evaluation 

Strengths: 

- The carefully chosen sounds create an immersive experience, making the city feel alive.  

- The use of high-quality Foley sounds and professional editing software ensures a polished final result.  

- The project successfully captures the energy and emotion of the painting.  

Areas for Improvement: 

- Exploring a wider range of environmental sounds could add more depth and variety.  

- Gathering more feedback from listeners could help refine the balance and layering of sounds.  

This project shows how sound can enhance visual art, making it more immersive and emotionally engaging. By carefully selecting and layering sounds, the painting was transformed into an audio-visual experience, allowing the audience to feel the life within the city.  

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