My Story:

Welcome and thanks for visiting! This web site is dedicated to my creative life.

My name is Mel Nusbaum.  Originally from Chicago, I grew up playing guitar. I studied music and started playing piano as well. I love all forms of music. I moved to New York City to play jazz, blues, latin, funk, freejazz, doowop, rock, pop, and whatever with all kinds of terrific groups. I enjoy playing at clubs, concerts, festivals, and parties. I love harmonies. I compose lots of original music: jazz tunes, bossa novas, ballads, beats, funky jazz riffs, and songs for people to enjoy.

Through music and art, I can find ways to create beauty every day. Here, on this web site, you will find some good examples. Please read on.

Visual Art:

This is new! I have discovered how to create interactive wordmap collages. These are visual explorations of words and concepts that resemble street art or graffiti. I cover serious topics: art, philosophy, semantics, and the problems of society, but in a colorful, almost haphazard way. These pieces combine handwritten text layers, vibrant colors, and interactive elements. I use them to turn words into landscapes of meaning.

Each wordmap invites you to hover over different areas where you can discover hidden commentary and deeper insights. Watch as philosophical questions emerge from beneath the surface, creating an ongoing dialogue between the artwork and your curiosity. These aren't just digital paintings - they're kinetic art, active art, lively, explorable thought-maps that blend whimsical visuals with serious philosophical inquiry. I hope you enjoy them!

Explore the Interactive Wordmaps →