Interview
Brandy Pattereson
Brandy is an accomplished abstract synesthetic artist specializing in vibrant and evocative works that captivate the senses. Born with the extraordinary gift of synesthesia, she transforms the connections between sound and color into a dynamic interplay of hues and forms, creating artworks that evolve as melodies unfold. Inspired by the words of Heinrich Heine, "When words leave off, music begins," she seeks to capture the essence of music through an exploration of its rhythms, tempos, and tonalities. Each painting reveals the translucent evolution of sound in motion, offering a visual representation of music's spirit and energy.
Her abstract paintings are characterized by their expressive brushwork, uninhibited use of color, and intricate patterns. The work forges a soulful connection by blending colors associated with sound, transcending the boundaries of time and space. Incorporating layers of translucent color, asemic writing, and subtle details like lyrics and names, Brandy adds depth and intrigue to each composition. The creative process begins with selecting music that resonates deeply. As the melodies play, she responds to the energy, allowing colors, shapes, and patterns to emerge organically. Using a variety of tools - from traditional brushes and charcoal to unconventional implements like forks and trowels - she crafts a harmonious balance of soft and bold elements. The concept of "fermata" from music, a prolonged rest, influences the creation of breathing space within the paintings, inviting viewers to pause and reflect. Through this synthesis of auditory and visual experiences, she offers a unique lens into the emotive world of music. By translating sound into color and form, the work invites viewers to explore the vibrant connections between the senses and immerse themselves in the expressive language of abstract art.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“Professionally, I started painting in 2020, but honestly, painting has always felt like an old friend to me. I grew up in Ludlow, Vermont, a small ski town that’s lively in the winter and wonderfully laid-back in the summer. My family home bordered the town forest, and I spent hours wandering through the woods behind our house, which was a big influence on my sense of connection to nature. My parents always encouraged art-making and handicrafts. My mom, who’s crafty herself, kept scraps of fabric, popsicle sticks, glue, and all sorts of little treasures for making things. I remember hand-stitching Barbie clothes from leftover fabric she’d stash away in her sewing basket. I was always drawn to using pictures as a way to communicate, to find my ‘voice.’ And, I may have left a few artistic marks in places my parents weren’t too thrilled about - under the kitchen chairs, under my bed frame, and on the hallway walls. In 2010, I studied painting at the Glasgow School of Art in Glasgow Scotland, and then in 2012, I earned my Associates in Visual Arts from the Community College of Vermont. Over the last six years, I’ve had the chance to really dive into my art professionally - showing my work in New Hampshire, New York, and Massachusetts, taking commissions, painting murals, and being featured on the NH Chronicle TV program and local podcasts.”
What inspires you?
“Honestly, inspiration comes from following what I love - both in life and in making art. I keep a journal where I track the things that light me up, and then I just try to follow those threads. Intuition plays a big role in that - trusting the little nudges, the quiet ‘what ifs,’ and letting them lead the way. Nature is a constant source of inspiration too - the rhythm of seasons, the way light shifts through the day, even just the color of a flower or the texture of a rock can spark something. There’s a quiet wisdom in the natural world that reminds me to slow down and stay present. Synesthesia is a big part of my creative world as well - it gives me this unique way of experiencing sound as color, and that shows up in how I build palettes and create movement in a piece. Watching my child paint and draw has also been a sweet reminder of how natural it is to simply be with the materials. I rediscovered finger painting after taking a course with Louise Fletcher called Find Your Joy, where she encourages using tools beyond the brush. That opened something up for me. Now I’m always asking, ‘What if I used…’ and that question feels like a doorway to play, intuition, and the kind of discovery that keeps the process alive and joyful.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“There are a few themes that run through my work. I’m really drawn to the connection between music, memory, and emotion - how a certain sound or rhythm can bring something deeply personal to the surface. My experience with synesthesia plays a big part in that, turning music into color and movement as I paint. I also explore themes of nurturing and quiet storytelling, often reflecting on the tenderness of motherhood and the small, meaningful moments that shape us.”
How would you describe your work?
“I’d describe my work as delightfully unpretentious - expressive and full of feeling, with a mix of spontaneous, feminine marks. There’s a kind of looseness to it, but also moments of intention and care. I like when things feel a little wild and a little tender at the same time.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Lately, I’ve been really inspired by a few artists who are doing amazing things in their own unique ways. Denise Gasser, Nikoleta Sekulovic, Sebastian Helling, and Felicity Mara have all influenced me in the last year. Each one brings something different to the table - whether it’s their use of color, texture, or the emotional depth in their work. I find myself drawn to how they blend spontaneity with intention, and I’m constantly learning from their approaches.”
What is your creative process like?
“A lot of my process starts in my studio sketchbook - it’s where I work through ideas, sketch out compositions, and write down how I’m feeling or something I heard on a podcast that stuck with me. I make different Spotify playlists to tap into certain mindscapes, especially when I’m working on a synesthesia collection - music connects with what I’m trying to express. I like to work in multiples, usually with five canvases going at once, so I’m not pouring all my ideas into just one. My approach is loose and playful. I let color, shape, and pattern unfold naturally, and then start building this gentle back-and-forth between soft and bold elements until the piece starts to feel balanced. I’m really drawn to the musical idea of a prolonged rest - those intentional pauses - and I try to bring that same sense of breathing space into my paintings, especially toward the end when I’m editing things down.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I think an artist’s role is to be a bridge - between people, ideas, emotions, and experiences. We're here to reflect beauty, but also to ask questions and stir things up when needed. Art has this way of waking people up, and I don’t think real change happens when we’re too comfortable. I see the artist’s role evolving as the world shifts - maybe becoming even more vital - as a space for connection, honesty, and disruption, all at once.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“My first solo show The Color of Music where I exhibited a synesthesia work I had made in collaboration with my musician husband. The collaboration with Old Blood Noise Endeavors, an effects pedal company, asked me to create a painting that represented the sounds of their new line of effects pedals and my painting was then printed onto the pedals. Botanica, an exclusive artist and collector dinner with the Cultural Center of Cape Cod MA., Mother/Father group show with WomensWork in Poughkeepsie, NY about caretaking and how that has shifted since the pandemic.”
Website: bmpatterson.com
Instagram: @brandympatterson
Other links: substack.com/@brandypattersonartist
