Meaning: The quote "Well rounded forms give smooth sounds; sharper or angular forms give harder and harsher sounds" by Norman McLaren, a renowned artist, succinctly captures the connection between visual forms and auditory experiences. Norman McLaren was a Scottish-born Canadian animator, director, and producer known for his innovative and experimental work in the field of animation. His quote reflects his deep understanding of the relationship between visual and auditory stimuli and how they can evoke emotional and sensory responses in individuals.

When analyzing McLaren's quote, it is essential to consider the multifaceted nature of human perception. Our senses are interconnected, and stimuli from one sensory modality can influence our experiences in another. In this case, McLaren draws a parallel between the visual qualities of forms and the auditory qualities of sounds, suggesting a correlation between the two.

The concept of synesthesia, which refers to the neurological phenomenon where stimulation of one sensory pathway leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second sensory pathway, provides a valuable framework for understanding McLaren's quote. While synesthesia commonly involves the blending of senses such as seeing colors when listening to music, McLaren's quote can be interpreted as a metaphorical expression of the cross-modal associations between visual and auditory elements.

The notion of "well rounded forms" evoking "smooth sounds" aligns with the idea of smooth, curved visual shapes being associated with soft, melodious auditory experiences. This connection reflects a fundamental aspect of human perception known as cross-modal correspondence, where certain visual attributes are consistently linked with specific auditory qualities. For example, studies have shown that people tend to associate rounded shapes with softness and mellowness, which can extend to the perception of sound.

Conversely, McLaren's assertion that "sharper or angular forms give harder and harsher sounds" underscores the potential for angular or jagged visual forms to elicit perceptions of sharp, discordant auditory sensations. The angularity and sharpness of visual elements may evoke associations with harsh, abrasive sounds, contributing to a more intense and unsettling auditory experience.

McLaren's quote also resonates with the principles of Gestalt psychology, which emphasizes the ways in which humans perceive and organize visual elements into meaningful patterns and forms. According to Gestalt principles, the visual attributes of forms, such as their shape, symmetry, and continuity, can influence our perception and emotional response. McLaren's quote extends this concept to the realm of auditory perception, suggesting that the visual characteristics of forms can also shape our experiences of sound.

Furthermore, McLaren's background as an animator and filmmaker sheds light on the potential practical applications of his quote in the realm of audiovisual art forms. In the context of animation, the deliberate manipulation of visual forms and their dynamic interplay can be utilized to create a synesthetic experience for the audience, where the visual narrative is intricately linked with the auditory elements to evoke specific emotional and sensory responses.

In conclusion, Norman McLaren's quote encapsulates the interconnectedness of visual and auditory stimuli, offering a thought-provoking insight into the ways in which forms and shapes can influence our perception of sound. By recognizing the correlation between visual attributes and auditory qualities, McLaren's quote invites us to explore the profound synergy between the senses and consider how this interplay can be harnessed in artistic expression and sensory design.