Greensboro-Based Artist Transforms Sound Into Visual Art

Remember that old toy called the Speak and Spell? That's exactly what Felicia Francine and her collaborator Ben Sechrest used, with a little manipulation, to create the sounds they would then translate into visual art.

That playful experimentation and process resulted in an exhibit on display at the Center for Visual Artists in Greensboro, allowing audiences to experience sound in a new way. Francine is also a recipient of a grant from ArtsGreensboro for her work.

There are three types of works in their exhibition, "Visualizing Sound." First, there are the video loops full of bright colors and geometric designs; they play on small televisions and are projected onto gallery walls. Then there are laser-etched works with vivid, saturated color schemes and swirling, web-like lines. And lastly, 3D pieces stand out from the wall like a relief map of a mountain range, the colors changing as you move from left to right. Each is a visual abstract representation of sound created through mapping techniques and digital programs. 

Francine says she looks forward to bringing the work to other locations and exhibitions. Some of the grant funding will go towards future projects with video and video mapping. As an artist, Francine notes that she's always collecting ideas.

“You never know where you can pull from in regards to inspiration. So, I really try to make sure that I'm documenting those things as much as I can for the future,” she says.

Francine is one of 16 artists to receive a Regional Artist Grant from ArtsGreensboro. The funding offers support for visual, performing, literary and interdisciplinary artists.