Control & Chaos

December 13s, 2024


Art and music share a deep, almost mystical connection. At their core, both are forms of expression—of emotion, of thought, of experience. But while music, especially jazz, is often seen as a purely auditory art, I would argue that my paintings and drawings are not so different from a jazz performance. If you look closely at my work, the way the lines harmonize and the spontaneity of the shapes play off each other, you’ll see jazz—pure jazz.

Improvisation of Creation

Jazz is the art of improvisation. The genre is built on the freedom to explore, to deviate from the score, to let the music evolve in real-time. In many ways, this is how I approach my work. My paintings and drawings often begin with a loose idea or structure, but they grow organically, with each line or stroke responding to the one before it. I don't rely on rigid plans or blueprints; instead, I embrace the unpredictable flow of creation.

Like a jazz musician riffing on a theme, I let my hand move freely across the canvas, responding to the rhythm and flow of the lines and shapes as they emerge. Each brushstroke or pencil mark is a conversation with the previous one, and the final piece becomes a spontaneous, ever-evolving symphony of form and color.

Harmony of Lines and Shapes

Jazz is known for its intricate harmonies and interplay between instruments. In a jazz ensemble, each musician plays a different part, but when they come together, they create something much greater than the sum of their individual contributions. The same can be said about the way the lines in my art interact.

In my work, lines often don’t exist in isolation. They weave in and out, echoing each other, finding new ways to complement and contrast one another. There’s a rhythm to the way they move across the page or canvas, a pulse that reflects a deeper sense of harmony. Some lines might intersect sharply, creating tension, while others curve smoothly, offering resolution. This constant push-and-pull between contrasting elements is what gives the work its energy and vitality—just like a jazz band playing in sync but with room for individual expression.

Freedom of Expression

One of the most beautiful aspects of jazz is its emphasis on freedom. Musicians are encouraged to step outside traditional boundaries and make their mark on the music. This sense of freedom is mirrored in my own approach to visual art. I don't aim for perfection; I aim for expression.

In jazz, there’s a sense of "anything goes," as long as it serves the music. In my work, I don’t censor my instincts or shy away from making bold, spontaneous decisions. If a line doesn’t feel right, I’ll let it shift into something else. If a shape doesn’t align with my original vision, I’ll follow it into an unexpected direction. This openness to change, this willingness to experiment, is what gives both jazz and my art its authenticity.

Play Between Control and Chaos

Jazz is often described as a delicate balance between control and chaos. Musicians must know their instruments, understand theory, and master technique—but they must also be willing to let go, to trust the process, and to allow chaos to emerge. This tension between structure and freedom is something I feel deeply in my artistic practice.

There are moments in my process when I carefully plan a composition, selecting colors and shapes with intention. But more often than not, the piece takes on a life of its own. I let my intuition lead me, knowing that the best results often come from the moments where I abandon control. The unexpected becomes the most exciting part of the process—just as in jazz, where the best solos often emerge from the spaces between the notes, in the moments of unexpected improvisation.

Role of the Viewer

In jazz, the audience plays a crucial role in the experience. The energy of the crowd influences the performance, and in turn, the musicians respond to that energy. Similarly, when you view my art, I hope that you feel that same kind of energy—an invitation to become part of the experience. The way the lines intersect, the way the shapes play with one another, is an interaction between the piece and the viewer. I want you to feel the pulse, the rhythm, and the flow, to let the spontaneity and harmony of the work resonate with you in the same way that a live jazz performance might.

Jazz of Visual Art

Jazz isn’t just about music—it’s a mindset, a way of engaging with the world. It’s about freedom, spontaneity, and the interplay between control and chaos. When I look at my paintings and drawings, I see the same qualities that define jazz: the unpredictability, the rhythm, and the unexpected beauty that comes from trusting the process.

Next time you look at one of my pieces, don’t just see it as a static image on a canvas. Hear the jazz in it. Let the lines sing, the shapes improvise, and the overall composition play off your senses in a way that feels as alive and spontaneous as a jazz performance. For me, that’s the essence of art—the pure, unfiltered expression of the moment, captured in a way that resonates long after the brushstrokes are made.