In 1952, the brilliant mathematician Alan Turing introduced the concept of a mathematical model that explains how certain patterns can emerge naturally from a uniform state, such as the shapes on a zebra's coat or a butterfly's wings. The pattern arises from a phenomenon known as "Turing instability," which is caused by the differential diffusion of chemical species and chemical reactions. This process is unexpected because diffusion is generally thought to have a stabilizing effect on systems. However, in this case, it actually creates random disturbances and induces the formation of patterns where there was no pattern before.

Imagine a large crowd of people in a room. At first, everyone is standing still, and the system is stable. But as people start moving around, some people move faster or in different directions than others, causing disturbances in the crowd. These disturbances can create patterns of movement and behavior that emerge spontaneously, like waves moving through the crowd.

I utilize this fascinating concept to create my digital illustrations. By embracing the inherent chaos and unpredictability, I allow the patterns and forms to emerge naturally. Each stroke, each color choice, is a deliberate exploration into the realm of uncertainty and chance. My illustration becomes a reflection of the interplay between order and disorder, capturing the beauty that arises from the collision of these opposing forces.

Interestingly, the creation of my cookbook, The Artful Baker - Extraordinary Desserts From an Obsessive Home Baker, marked a turning point in my own journey. After its publication, I found myself grappling with anxiety, struggling to navigate the uncertainty that life presented. It was then that I realized how much I had been avoiding chaos and uncertainty, both in my work and personal life. It became clear that I needed to make peace with the unavoidability of these concepts.

Just as the disturbances in the crowd give rise to unexpected patterns, so too do the disturbances in my mind and life lead to growth and transformation. By acknowledging and embracing the uncertainties, I started to find healing and strength. Through digital illustration, I discovered a way to navigate the chaos and find beauty in the unknown. It became a medium through which I could express my journey towards acceptance, allowing me to embrace the spontaneous and unpredictable nature of life.

Chaos no longer creates just my illustrations; it has become an integral part of my personal growth and a source of inspiration. By embracing the unavoidable uncertainties and making peace with them, I've found liberation in the dance between order and disorder, both in my creative process and in life itself.