The Muse of Art Is the Muse of Music Baltimore, Maryland — Visual artist Katherine Fahey has always said she is moved to paint most by music. To prove the point, she has created 24 new paintings inspired by the songs of six local songwriters.

The Birdwatcher’s Companion, opened January 17th at the Metro Gallery. The exhibit showcases these paintings. Gallery goers can listen through headphones to the songs that inspired Fahey. For their part, the musicians have written seven new songs as inspired by their favorite work of Fahey’s, which are available for listening. All six songwriters performed at the opening reception on January 17th 2009.

As a poster and print maker, Fahey has established working relationships—as well as close friendships—with many of Baltimore’s finest musicians. Songwriter contributors to The Birdwatcher’s Companion include Jenn Wasner and Andy Stack of Wye Oak, Caleb Stine, James Sarsgard of Noble Lake, Katie Feild, and Bob Keal of Small Sur.

The Birdwatcher’s Companion, music and art, the closest of cohorts.

If you have a Birdwatcher’s Companion CD and would like to view the artwork which the songs are based on, click on the song titles. To hear music by the songwriters click on their names below:

Track 1 Daybreak by Bob Keal
Track 2 Sinking Ship by Jenn Wasner
Track 3 Speak To Me by Katie Feild
Track 4 Hurricane by James Sarsgard
Track 5 Treehouse by Andy Stack
Track 6 Mourning Walk by Katie Feild
Track 7 Darwin’s Theory by Caleb Stine

To purchase this CD go to 2hawks2fishes.etsy.com