Art and Jazz and the Truth about Sheer Luck – Day 48

[Today’s featured artwork for Day 48 of the 365 Days Project is by Jerry Hardesty.]

Abstract painting by Jerry Hardesty
“Jazz-Rock” by Jerry Hardesty. Photo courtesy ©Jerry Hardesty.

Why the improvisational nature of creation sometimes feels like “sheer luck.”

#48 – The art of creation is a combination of technical skill, artistic talent and letting go of the anticipated result to allow the work to create itself.

When I look back at some of my most complex work it often feels like I arrived at the finished pieces through “sheer luck.” I cannot trace the exact steps I took throughout the creative process and I know I wouldn’t be able to replicate those pieces in the exact same way again.

Featured artist Jerry Hardesty explains it perfectly by comparing art to jazz: “Abstract painting is like jazz; the artist improvises on a theme or idea and brings it to climax. Like the jazz musician who uses melody, chords and rhythm, I improvise through the use of composition, line, color, and texture. I paint until I have fully expressed my original idea.”

This improvisational nature of creation can make the logical brain feel uneasy because there is never a solid step-by-step analysis of the process. We often aren’t sure where a piece will end up, but at least we know it will be a fantastic ride.

Abstract painting by Jerry Hardesty
“Progression 3” by Jerry Hardesty. Photo courtesy ©Jerry Hardesty.

Jerry Hardesty’s artwork can be viewed at: Jerry Hardesty

Description of the images included in this post:
Jazz-Rock
Jerry Hardesty, Utah
Acrylic

Progressions 3
Jerry Hardesty, Utah
Acrylic


The 365 Days Project

In 2012, Serena Kovalosky committed to writing an article a day for 365 days as an exploration into the lives of artists and the value of creative thinking in our society.

Experience the full evolution of the project! Click below to read the entire collection of articles.

Click to view The 365 Days Project


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