By Ali Grutchfield
The definition of art is constantly changing, often reflecting the latest trends and global commentary. Directed by Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee, Silent Crescendo is a documentary exploring an artist whose work transcends ordinary mediums to tell an entirely new story. Although learning to paint with tea was not his plan, this artist embraced the unknown and gave way to changes in both his art and perspective.
After the artist spilled a cup of tea on a drawing, his eyes were opened to new creative possibilities. What seemed to be a meaningless accident changed his art forever. His process expanded to putting tea to paper and seeing where it flows. After it forms bold lines and guidepoints, he further defines them with pen and adds more detail and contour. Although unorthodox, his art has become a collaboration between him and the tea, rather than being dominated by paint and ink.
Like many artists, he was constantly searching for originality and innovative stories, however, the tea in a sense became an artist itself with its own stories. This artist has chosen to see himself as the vessel rather than a controlling artist. He no longer sees himself as in control, claiming “originality is irrelevant,” and he has surrendered power to the tea. His art has become stories of changing perspectives and hidden potential.
I’d give Silent Crescendo 4/5 stars.
Ali Grutchfield is a junior pursuing Film and Television Production at the Savannah College of Art and Design. She spends her time producing both visual and written content for District, the school’s online news platform, being President of the SCAD’s Film Club, producing and editing student films, reading mystery novels, and drinking coffee with her cat, Jingle.
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