Calando, Cavatina, Crescendo

Why yes, I am mixing music and artwork in one post!  As promised months ago, I’ve finally begun to edit all the images from last year’s solo show that focused on recycled/repurposed art. Today I’m sharing the pieces I created with old piano parts.

The pieces on display during the show at ArtSplash gallery, June 2013.
The pieces on display during the show at ArtSplash gallery, June 2013.

First I’d like to thank my artist-friend Quincy Owens for sharing these parts with me after he had used most of the wood from a piano for an artistic project of his own. Thanks Q! Here is a look at the pieces and parts laid out, waiting for me to decide how to use them (along with a tub full that I have left for future projects).

I had these in the garage for several weeks, moving pieces about and generally tweaking things until I felt comfortable enough with the design to start the assembly. I raided my stash of vintage sheet music to use as a background, adhering it to the wood surface using a thin, clear acrylic with a tint of yellow ochre to giving it an even older, more weathered look.

Once on the wood I followed with several more coats of clear acrylic to seal it well and give it a lovely shine.  Then the power tools came out and the other objects were attached one by one.  The long bar across the top of the largest piece (Calando) is from inside the piano and the wires were at one time attached to each of the eyes that show along the top.

I actually ended up with a “less is more” approach with these pieces as I really wanted more of the background sheet music to show than my original plan. One part that I never varied on was the three foot pedals hanging from the bottom. Now to show you the images of each piece, once completed:

"Calando" mixed media on wood, 55x16", $995 © Lynne Medsker
“Calando” mixed media on wood, 55×16″, $995 © Lynne Medsker

The musical term Calando means “fading away music” which seemed so appropriate for this piece! Cavatina translates into “solo song” and, as most music fans know, Crescendo is described as “an increase in intensity”.

Currently these three pieces reside above the piano in my living room.

piano art installed

Can you picture them in your home?

Lynne

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