IN CONVERSATION WITH JARROD JAMES BROWNING

interview by SAMO ŠAJN

Jarrod James Browning is a street style expressionist artist based in Los Angeles. From a strict military upbringing in Minonk, Illinois, and a career as a laser engineer, Jarrod transitioned to art after a decade in LA. He creates bold, large scale pieces with raw, layered aesthetics, inspired by New York’s grittiness and the concept of "finding beauty in chaos." His work, characterized by rough brushstrokes and unfinished lines, has gained acclaim and is sold in major cities across the U.S., Europe, and globally, reflecting his significant impact on the art scene.

full look COS

Your journey to becoming an artist seems unconventional. Can you walk us through the moment or experience that made you realize you had a talent and passion for art?

Growing up in a small town, I didn’t have much opportunity to explore or express myself. Moving to LA was huge for my self-discovery. I’ve always had ideas and visions but was looking for a way to channel them. I tried different outlets, but when I started painting, it felt like home—it felt natural. I knew this was what I was meant to do. I realized I had a talent when an art collector overheard me discussing a piece in a coffee shop and bought my entire 3-piece series. That’s how my journey as an artist began.

Growing up in a military household in Minonk, Illinois, how did that environment shape your artistic approach

Growing up in a strict household taught me to work hard and stay humble. Nothing was handed to us, and that influences my art. I'm always thinking about my next piece, very “go, go, go.” I know not everything will be a success, but I make sure each piece is exactly how I envisioned it. There’s no settling. My upbringing shaped my style—I stretch my own canvas, build my frames, and use house paint. There's a ruggedness, a rough edge, in all my pieces.

suit ANTONIO MARRAS
shoes SANTONI

You worked as a laser engineer before discovering your talent for painting. How has your technical background influenced your creative process?

As a laser engineer, you have to pay attention to several moving parts and work on many different things at one time. That’s how I approach my pieces. I’m generally working on multiple pieces at one time. Having the ability to shift my focus helps me to stay focused.

You collaborated with Sharon Stone. How did that come to be and how was the experience?

I was introduced to Sharon Stone through her friend Paris Libby, who saw potential for collaboration between us. Working with Sharon was a fantastic and eye-opening experience. Despite our contrasting styles, we built trust and understanding, learning to merge our perspectives. Sharon’s success, passion for art, and refined technique complemented my raw, rugged style, bringing a unique elegance to the collaboration. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with such an inspiring and talented artist.

sharon wears suit GIORGIO ARMANI, tshirt RALPH LAUREN, glasses LENSCRAFTER
jarrod wears jeans DSQUARED, top SAINT LAURENT

Your work is known for being loud, wild, and raw, with multiple layers converging into one piece. Can you explain the thought process behind layering various ideas into a single painting?

It’s a direct reflection of how my brain works and what I see. One idea gets caught in the middle of another idea. Once I put an idea to canvas, I start chopping out certain portions, the “errors” to make room for a new idea. This goes on for several layers until I’m able to build the piece to how I envisioned it. I like to say that my pieces are “built off of errors”. Leaving the “errors” on each layer I feel is part of the story telling of the piece.

You mention that the grittiness of New York inspires you, despite being based in Los Angeles. What aspects of New York City do you channel into your work, and how do you contrast it with LA’s vibe?

LA is comfortable with great weather, space, and nature—a place to breathe and relax. New York City, on the other hand, is loud, congested, grimy, and overwhelming. It’s fast- paced and real, with no time for BS. You can get lost in it and always discover something new. I channel that feeling into my work—putting together things that clash or feel uncomfortable. My pieces are big, loud, and always offer something new to experience, much like New York.

jeans DSQUARED
top SAINT LAURENT

As a self-taught artist, what were some of the biggest challenges you faced when first starting out, and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge was overcoming self-doubt—wondering if I was good enough or if my art would resonate with people, especially with monetary restrictions. I overcame this by staying focused, working hard, and committing fully to my vision. I showed at weekly art shows while creating new art and working a full-time job. Over time, I became more comfortable in my "artist skin."

Your work has been sold in cities across the U.S. and Europe. How do you think your style resonates with audiences across different cultural landscapes?

I think my pieces resonate because they reflect common human themes—everyone has layers, imperfections, and life never goes as planned. My work shows these clashes, making it relatable. It might be comforting to see seemingly unrelated elements come together as one.

sharon wears suit GIORGIO ARMANI, tshirt RALPH LAUREN, glasses LENSCRAFTERS
jarrod wears jeans DSQUARED, top SAINT LAURENT

You describe your pieces as "finding beauty in chaos. "How do you personally navigate chaos in life, and how does that philosophy reflect in your artwork?

I navigate chaos with an open mind, accepting it and moving forward to find resolution. In my art, this chaos appears in broad brushstrokes, wild oil stick use, mismatched colors, and unfinished lines. These chaotic elements come together to form a finished piece. The beauty lies in finding peace within the chaos, where every individual line contributes to the whole.

Looking forward, what kind of growth or evolution do you see in your art, and what can your collectors and fans expect from you in the coming years?

Looking ahead, I aim to continue expressing myself while reaching more people. I want my pieces to go beyond a quick glance, drawing in the audience to explore their depth. I hope viewers connect with the excessive oil stick use or unusual color combinations, finding their own understanding even if it differs from mine. Sometimes a building is just a building, and a line is just a line. I want the uncomfortable and comfortable moments in my art to grow with my audience, helping them find meaning in what’s right in front of them.

sharon wears shirt and trousers TOM FORD
flower on trousers ANTONIO MARRAS
shoes TOD’S
necklace, COLO LE NNE TAOMINA

TEAM CREDITS:
talent JARROD BROWNING
talent SHARON STONE
photography FERNANDO SIPPEL
styling PARIS LIBBY
hair & makeup MAX ROMAN
retouching MARIO ERNUN
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
interview SAMO ŠAJN
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN