Tim Wakefield creates his own wild synesthesia. In his 4,000-square-foot gallery and workshop just off of the main plaza in Lockhart, Wakefield's artworks pop off the walls in bright swirls and vibrant, impressionistic strings. Each canvas represents a song and, through his nonprofitAs part of Mental Health Awareness Month, the SIMS Foundation partners with Soundwaves for a limited-edition run of artworks based on songs from over 20 Austin songwriters and bands.
Wakefield created Soundwaves in London in 2006 before moving to Austin in 2014. He manipulates the computer generated soundwaves of songs to bring them visually to life as his own artistic expression of the music. Soundwaves then partners with the songs' originators to benefit various charities, having raised over $7.5 million to date through work with over 500 artists.
Although Wakefield developed proprietary software to create his artworks, he is quick to acknowledge that the concept could easily be copied. He feels confident however that Soundwaves has established a distinct enough reputation to protect the style and brand, especially among artists. Admirers range from Cyndi Lauper and Robert Smith to Brandi Carlile and Willie Nelson.
[Wakefield] manipulates the computer generated soundwaves of songs to bring them visually to life as his own artistic expression of the music.