Archive for March, 2012

I believe that art is a leading form of communication.  Some people understand it right away, but for many, it strikes up conversation and puts something on your mind.  I think that every artist will tell you, that if someone views a piece and has questions about it, or wants to look at it again, then their job is complete.  Visual communication can transcend languages, cultures, racial and ethnic background.  The visual statement stands on its own.  With that being said, lets stop the violence.  Against ourselves, against anyone.  These are in progress, and were inspired by recent events as well as a poster I saw a while back and I cannot find the artist for the life of me.  But Kudos to whoever it was, I have added my twist to it.

All of these shootings and acts of violence going on has me thinking.  I used to teach elementary school, and the largest weapon that any individual can have is their education and their intelligence.  No one can take that away.  I worked on a series of portraits that basically show a sequence if students do not stay in school.  Our dreams start in the classroom.  If we don’t know, then we can’t grow.  And this is totally my opinion, I just thought I needed to say this right now.

 

Another inspiration.  Mickalene Thomas is based out of New York and works in mixed media.  She explores the notions of beauty, relative to contemporary and pop art.  I’ve seen her work at shows in New York, Scope and The Armory Show.  Trust Me when I say, photographs do not do her justice.  You have to see them in person.  She uses enamel, acrylics and RHINESTONES!!!! Gotta respect the work and patience that goes into that, but I feel her because when you love what you do, you’re not working much.  Kudos Mickalene, Kudos.  Check out her work here Mickalene Thomas

Awesome.

I just got commissioned to do a panorama of Cincinnati, my hometown.  Im excited as well as the client.  Let’s get started.  Oh and by the way canvas was on sale at Binder’s :) (For all of my art friends looking for sales). Im working on it right now.

Artworks Cincinnati is a non-profit organization that gives teens the opportunity to gain skills in the arts as well as vocational and teambuilding skills. I love artworks, have been with them forever and had the opportunity to participate in this video.  Cincinnati received a most livable city award in 2010.  Check this out

What Are The Lyrics To Your Song? Project Manager: Kris Donnelly, Brian Nicely

What’s Happening Downtown? Project Manager :Ted Hendricks

Ice Cream Daydream Project Manager: Amanda Checco

Artworks is 16 years old and still going strong.  To learn more about Artworks Programming visit the site at www.artworkscincinnati.org

Steel Wheels 2012

Posted: March 27, 2012 in What is JJ up to?

This show is going to be insane!

After successful stops in Miami and San Francisco’s cladestine Hydrilla Compund, your No.1 stain on the trains is putting it down at a new down south layup. Atlanta’s new “it” space, the Archive Gallery, is this years visual transportation station of choice. Fully stocked, for 2 days it will play host to custom painted trains of every scale, mixed media artwork and photography of massive proportions. Styles from the old skool playas all the way down to the new skool freight fools, STEEL WHEELS 5 is leaving no rail unrolled. Check it out STEEL WHEELS 2012

THIS FRIDAY AND SATURDAY IN ATL

Feeling super inspired right now, a billion ideas flowing, brushes in hand.  Im goin in.  Creatives UNITE!

I was feel in it, so I went on and finished this one up.  Sometimes it just clicks, enjoy :)

“Free” Oil Mixed Media on Paper 2011-12 22×30″

So I am affiliated with a gallery here in Atlanta called Art on 5 located at 2001 MLK Jr Dr Suite 530, Atlanta, GA 30310.  It is run by Andre Thompson who also is a visual artist and entrepreneur.  It is an African American Art gallery that The Smithsonian just deemed as an Official Museum.  I am grateful for the opportunity to exhibit in an establishment like this and get my work out there, as well as the opportunity to collaborate with other Atlanta based Artists.  I am geared up for more events.  Check us out. My Uzi Weighs a Ton (video contains explicit lyrics)

STAY TUNED MORE EVENTS TO COME

Sometimes Life can get rough, like a hammer coming right at you.  Fill in the Life Silhouette in the background with struggles of your choice.  Mine are mostly bills.  Cable, Rent, Electric, etc. etc.  You gotta feel me on this one.  We just gotta keep trucking day by day, because the struggle will be over soon.  This is the best part. Keep your heads up y’all.  KC and Jojo-Life (what happened to these brothers?)

Life Study 2012

Another Artist that is based out of ATL that I am following.  Check out his work, interesting message and style.  I enjoy it a lot.  Check him out http://www.fahamupecouart.com/

I need to link with him soon, Let’s Collab.