The Meaning Behind “Stradivarius” – A 16” x 20” Oil Pastel Masterpiece
- Jeremy Faivre
- Oct 4, 2024
- 4 min read
In the world of art, inspiration is often drawn from many sources, but few are as powerful as music. "Stradivarius," a 16” by 20” oil pastel artwork on a canvas panel, captures this unique connection between visual art and sound. Named after the legendary violin known for its unparalleled craftsmanship and acoustic perfection, this piece is an artistic reflection of the harmony, emotion, and energy that music instills in the soul.
The Symphony of Balance and Emotion
At the heart of "Stradivarius" is the idea that music has the power to strike a chord deep within us, helping to balance and soothe our emotional world. Whether you're lost in the ethereal notes of a violin or moved by a powerful crescendo, music has a way of grounding us while simultaneously elevating our spirits. This artwork embodies that very feeling—of being both grounded and set free by the vibrations of music.
Using the Post-Impressionism style, "Stradivarius" departs from traditional realism, choosing instead to highlight the emotional and symbolic qualities of its subject. The classical violin depicted in the painting symbolizes the balance and precision of life, much like the intricate structure of music itself. The oil pastels create a rich, tactile quality that makes the violin seem almost alive, as though its strings might vibrate at any moment, filling the room with sound.
A Violin That Shakes the Room
Just as a finely tuned violin can fill any space with its resonant, amplified sound, this artwork aims to stir the senses of anyone who views it. The painting captures the essence of what a Stradivarius violin does to a room—it ignites, shakes, and transforms it. The bold, thick strokes of oil pastels mimic the energy of sound waves reverberating through the air. There’s a movement in the way the violin is presented, almost as if it’s playing its own silent symphony.
The canvas is an explosion of purples, blues, and whites—an abstracted, dream-like background that helps the rich browns and golden hues of the violin to stand out in stark contrast. The color choices were intentional, designed to make the violin "pop" while creating a feeling of depth and harmony. The swirling strokes of color give a sense of movement, as if the violin is surrounded by waves of music, shaping the space around it.
Musical Inspiration: “Shatter Me” by Lindsey Stirling
The artwork is not just inspired by any violin but is deeply influenced by Lindsey Stirling’s electrifying performance in her song “Shatter Me.” Stirling’s fusion of classical violin with modern electronic beats perfectly encapsulates the balance between the traditional and the contemporary. Her music, full of passion and contrast, finds a visual counterpart in "Stradivarius." The way Stirling pushes the boundaries of what a violin can do, blending delicate melodies with shattering intensity, is mirrored in the visual tension of the painting.
In “Shatter Me,” the violin isn’t just an instrument but a force of change, breaking barriers and expectations. This sense of breaking free, of shattering old structures to create something new, is echoed in the brushstrokes and color choices of "Stradivarius." The piece captures the dynamic energy of the song—the sharp contrasts between delicate notes and powerful crescendos.
Here’s a link to the song if you’d like to give it a listen:
The Post-Impressionist Influence
"Stradivarius" draws from the Post-Impressionism movement, a style known for its emphasis on emotion, structure, and vivid colors. Artists like Van Gogh and Gauguin used bold color choices and abstracted forms to express feelings and atmosphere rather than simply recreating reality. In the same spirit, "Stradivarius" focuses on how the violin feels rather than how it objectively looks.
The technique of using thick, expressive strokes of oil pastel creates a texture that feels almost musical in itself, much like the way Post-Impressionist painters would allow their brushstrokes to remain visible, adding movement and emotion to the canvas. The violin is not presented as a pristine, polished object but rather as an emotive force, with a raw energy that leaps off the canvas.
Conclusion: A Visual Ode to Music
"Stradivarius" is more than just a visual representation of a violin; it’s a celebration of the profound connection between music and art. Through its rich colors, energetic strokes, and the inspiration drawn from Lindsey Stirling’s "Shatter Me," this artwork encapsulates the way music can fill a space, shake the air, and resonate deep within the soul. In its Post-Impressionist style, it conveys not just the sound but the *feeling* of music—a feeling that keeps us balanced, just as a violin does in the hands of a master musician.
If you’re someone who finds solace in both art and music, "Stradivarius" is a piece that speaks to that intersection, reminding us of the harmony that exists in both forms of creative expression.
As of writing, the original Stradivarius artwork is currently available to purchase. Printed reproductions are also available as well! Here’s the link to the online listing page:
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