2020 Visions with the Astoria Music Project

“A Place of Quiet” is a triptych and video interpretation of composer Rachel deVore Fogarty’s work of the same name. Commissioned by the Astoria Music Project, and sung by soprano Stefanie Azzo, the work was inspired by a poem she created when she moved to NYC and was adjusting to city noise while residing close to the Queensboro bridge. The work for Fogarty is a reflection of homesickness, sounds of the city, and energy.

Art itself is amazing in the way that it allows for many interpretations of the same subject. With COVID-19’s expansion across the globe, racial injustice, a divided nation, social limitation and restrictions, and a barrage of political headlines at the very least, the sound piece resonated heavily with me. The work emerged during a year of hardship and uncertainty for so many. I was yearning for creativity at a time where I had to focus primarily on daily work and wellness.

Immersing myself in the composition, the sound piece started with a lot of energy, then became quiet, and ended with energy. It seemed fitting for me visually to create three paintings in one. I used acrylics to bring colors to life and illustrate fluidity as the sound moves.

To view the video work for the painting, click here and start at 27:00.