by Christiane Wolters

Pictures not from the big events, but from back here, where it's been coming together for years.

Of course, I only came on board to this about 1 year ago. My camera is not even that old and furthermore, I am not an artist and know very little about Jazz, except that is is a truely unique American Art Form and that I like it. Having grown up in small towns in Northern Germany, I have some educational deficits in that area. To be able to JazzJam must be really good. But here I have been hearing Jazz lot and I see the paintings being created right in front of me.

You might have heard of the IAJE this year. If not, here is a IAJE link to some of the pictures taken there. I am new to Jazz, but you on the other hand may recognize some of the celebrities you can see there onstage. I heard Herbie Hancock played with some young musicians...and that it was great. Have not seen any pictures of it though.

Listening to the people who were there, I hear it was truely amazing to be in that field, that ambience of JazzArt Fusion, or, JazzArtFusion (JAF). It not only is the magical coming together of Jazz and Painting, JazzArt(TM) that is, but necessarily includes the audience as well, as there is an effect they each have on the other. The Art onstage creates an impression and makes the music sound even more amazing to the listener and the musicians of course feel that and so get into the groove deeper. Of course this in turn effects the audience again, intoxicated not by drugs, but by sounds and color.

Here just a couple of pics which I took within the last few months while in the artist's workspace.

You know, I am glad I don't have to hang out in late night Jazz clubs for this (though there must be a special ambiance there, I am sure). Just that in this day and age, I am happy that there is another way.

Painting for the IAJE. It so happens that 3 of the 4 pieces going to Guernsey's in New York next month can be seen here. One of my favorite pieces among them. All paintings were at the IAJE 2005.

A finished piece.

The artist at work.

Click here for an IAJE onstage picture of these wings.