Chance Operations

What is a chance operation and what is it's place in the creative process?

First let's begin with a definition of random:
Random is the occurrence of events in a manner of such complexity that human cognition cannot find either a cause or a pattern between the events.

Does chance = random?

Consider chance as an attempt to achieve something natural

Consider chance operations as a means of making a decision and how relinquishing control changes the outcome.

John Cage
John Cage is a musician most associated with chance operations. "...Chance, by helping to avoid habitual modes of thinking, could in fact produce something fresher and more vital than that which the composer might have invented alone."
ANDREW STILLER, Cage, John, Chance, The New Grove Dictionary of Music Online ed. L. Macy, Accessed [Feb. 3, 2003], http://www.grovemusic.com

Imaginary Landscape #4

A radio scan

Autobiographical Statement

Jean Arp (Hans Arp)
Jean Arp is associated with the DADA movement. His collages were of torn pieces of paper dropped and affixed where they would land. His use of chance is intended to create free of human intervention. "Dada," wrote Arp, "wished to destroy the hoaxes of reason and to discover an unreasoned order."





Collage with Squares Arranged According to the Laws of Chance


Random Collage


Torn Paper and Gouache



William S Burroughs


Wood Spirits




Out of the Closet


Jackson Pollock - action painting







Teri's find

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