So much of what we do as artists is a combination of personal experience and imagination, and how that all creeps into your work is not so linear.

In the quote, "So much of what we do as artists is a combination of personal experience and imagination, and how that all creeps into your work is not so linear," Diana Krall reflects on the complex and often non-linear process of artistic creation. She emphasizes that the work of artists is influenced by a mix of their own life experiences and their creative imagination. The interaction between these elements doesn’t follow a straightforward or predictable path, but instead flows organically, shaping the final product in ways that can be difficult to explain or chart.

Krall's statement suggests that imagination and personal experience are intertwined in the artistic process. Personal experience provides the raw material, the emotions, and the life lessons that shape an artist’s perspective, while imagination allows them to explore those feelings and experiences creatively. Together, these forces contribute to the artist's unique voice, but the way they manifest in the artwork is not always clear or structured—it can emerge in unexpected ways.

The reference to the process not being "so linear" highlights the unpredictable nature of creativity. Artistic expression doesn’t always follow a step-by-step or formulaic approach; it’s often messy, nonlinear, and deeply personal. An artist may start with one intention, but their imagination and experiences can lead them down different paths, resulting in unexpected outcomes that are still meaningful and true to their vision.

The origin of this quote reflects Krall’s understanding of her own creative process as a musician. Known for her skillful jazz piano playing and emotive vocal style, Krall has often spoken about how her life, emotions, and imagination shape her music. Her words capture the essence of how deeply personal and fluid the creative journey can be for any artist, where inspiration doesn’t always follow a clear or predictable route.