February 2023

From Rhonda at Horton House Press, Alaska

Visual Patterns, Sound, Music, and Healing

I am intrigued with all things art — visual arts and music are top. As I came across these patterns shortly after including music and dance into my physical therapy routine, I was amazed at what I was seeing. Since I have daily chronic nerve pain throughout my back, legs, and shoulder with a torn rotator cuff, I had to take a closer look — as well, it is just so printmakerly! Actually, it is the finest of printmaking!

Acoustic heart cell patterns created through sound by Cardiologist, Sean Wu, MD, PhD, and Utkan Demirci, PhD bioengineer, https://stanmed.stanford.edu/innovations-helping-harness-sound-acoustics-healing/

Seen in the picture above are human heart cell patterns created through acoustic signaling with Faraday waves (think liquid reacting to air turbulence). Cardiologist, Sean Wu, MD, PhD, and bioengineer, Utkan Demirci, PhD, are working to understand healing the physical body through these sound waves.1 I see this imagery as evidence of the Master’s hand made visible in the human body as connected to the musical spheres from above!

Piano notes made visible in a bowl of water. Cymascope.com

I was wowed, since I had just experienced some relief from nerve pain during my exercise routine while dancing and getting a word that my healing would come by this way of music and dance. The song just so happened to be Dancing on the Waves by We the Kingdom. I continue to add dance to my routine while evermore sensitive to the healing process. Choreography of dance is all about patterns — the perfect conduit between music and the body for healing!

Patterns are seen with piano notes made visible in a bowl of water.2 I think of snowflakes as music made visible filling the atmosphere! And, isn’t a fresh snowfall liken to a comfortable blanket — kind of a healing or recovery taking place?


Patterns and Process

I have included some of my patterns showing the process for a couple arrangements each starting with a single tile. It could become endless and gets rather surprising trying out various ways. These were for a special STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and the Power of Y (Yet) collaborative project.

Click on any image to see it in full view.

I liked my colleague Cameron Hoyer’s idea of the “Power of Y (Yet),” which I believe conveys faith, creativity, miracles and mystery — its all about art!


Local Events

– Alaska Biennial 2022 -2023

I am excited to share the Alaska Biennial has extended this years exhibit through Fall of 2023.

My monotype print Winter Glacier will continue to be apart of this show.

On view between now and October 16, 2023.

Please see info below, as well a link provided for more information.

Alaska Biennial 2022
November 4, 2022 through October 1, 2023 2022-2023
Alaska Biennial 2022 at the Anchorage MuseumContemporary artwork by Alaskan artists celebrating the meaning of “place.”
DailyAnchorage Museum 625 C Street Anchorage, Alaska 99501

International Gallery of Contemporary Art

IGCA
March 3 -312023
Members ExhibitionAnnual exhibition showcasing recent work of gallery members in a variety mediums
Thursday thru Sunday. 1-4 pm427 D Street Anchorage, Alaska 99501

"A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal." Steve Maraboli

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine" Proverbs 17:22

Thank you for your friendship — until next time, I’ll be dancing on the waves!


Please feel free to contact me with any questions at my email: [email protected]


1“Sound research – Scientific innovations harness noise and acoustics for healing” BIOENGINEERING | SPRING 2018 by Hanae Armitage.. https://stanmed.stanford.edu/innovations-helping-harness-sound-acoustics-healing/

2 https://cymascope.com/cymatics-intro/



You may leave a comment in the space provided below, which is very much appreciated . Thank you for visiting Horton House Press Studio Insider.

6 Replies to “February 2023”

  1. This is fascinating. I wonder what would be created during a time of worship. I also wonder how many people would be more inclined to worship the Lord if they knew it brought healing to their bodies.

    1. Yes it is fascinating Debra! Throughout scripture we are called to praise him. “How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!” (Psalm 147:1 NIV) He works wonders and we will respond.

    1. Hello Uncle Frank! You are very welcome! I am glad you enjoyed my newsletter. Art is connected to so many things in life. I think you would enjoy the other newsletters as well from last year. Look on my website under the tab Studio Insider and then under Horton House Press–Studio Insider. You will see several months from 2022. Thank you!

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