Shapes + Sounds
The great jazz musician Charlie Parker once said, (and I am going to butcher this) “ study your scales, study your instrument, practice, practice, practice and when you get up on the bandstand throw all that s*** out the window and just play”
I found this utterly liberating.
If it doesn’t interest you, don’t do it.
Realism is the foundation of my style. It took me years of studying and practice to get to the place where I can confidently freehand a 10ft portrait with ease. But, throwing it out the window is to be find interest in other things than just achieving a ‘likeness’ of a form.
I am far more interested in the relationships between stange colours or how two shapes come together.
Collaboration is similar.
It’s difficult. I think the challenge is that both artists are constantly rediscovering themselves. Each painting is a version of you and sometimes you don’t know who that version is yet - it feels like falling out of a window.
i did google that quote
and the origins are debatable
but I think it still stands.
plan.practice.and if you feel inspired in the moment. make music.
Shapes + Sounds was painted on Latin World on Bloor West, 2024
In collaboration with Planta Muisca
A good homie of mine
Funded by Street Art Toronto’s ‘Just Us’ Program.
