I’ve always had a huge appreciation for artwork in the world, especially graffiti and murals. Being a native in the Los Angeles area, these pieces are displayed everywhere for everyone to see. I love to see the culture and expression behind it because they have such a bigger meaning to it that people wouldn’t realize.
A year ago, I took a stroll down in LA with my friends and happen to come across the mural (down below) in person. It was quite a sight. No one’s really exposed to seeing anime in such an environment that I was thinking to myself, “Damn. I hope people realize that anime isn’t just a kiddy cartoon or hentai. It’s a work of art.”
One day, I happen to stumble on Jake’s Instagram and had to hit him up about writing this blog post on his artwork. I was given the privilege to interview him and here is how it went.
Los Angeles, CA // January 2016
INTERVIEW WITH JAKE:
1. Give a little background about yourself.
I was born and raised in downtown Chicago. I grew up drawing a lot, and I often mimicked my favorite comics or animes. I studied film in college, which later brought me to LA. It was here that I truly found my passion for art. I worked in film for a year, but decided that industry wasn’t for me, so I began painting in the summer of 2012.
2. Why did you want to become an artist?
If I’m being honest, it’s because this is the only version of my self that I truly have ever accepted.
3. What inspired you to get into the artwork that you do nowadays, both prints and murals?
There’s nothing like painting a mural for me. I find a certain focus, yet challenge, every time I paint a wall. The scale snd involvement of the entire human body just makes sense to me. At the same time I can find a similar degree of meditative practice when I hand paint a canvas or design digitally. I think that the wholeness I feel with these keeps me inspired to continue.
4. Do you have a favorite art piece or artist?
My favorite artists are Takashi Murakami, Hayao Miyazaki, Michelangelo, Frank Gehry, Antonio Gaudí and Van Gough. Two of my favorite art pieces are Murakami’s “Lonesome Cowboy” and Picasso’s “Guernica”. Ive seen both in person but the latter literally gave me goosebumps.
5. Other than the cute dog denim jacket and the Chance the Rapper piece you made, I’ve noticed that a lot of your artwork is anime based. Why anime?
The comics and anime style that I had practiced as a kid came back naturally when I picked up a spray can that summer of 2012. As well, Anime was something i felt weird about being into when growing up, similar to drawing. My classmates were into sports and other things I didn’t relate to. So later in life when I began painting and found a confidence through my art, the anime was something I wanted to own about me. People really reacted well when I began painting anime, and I enjoy the precision and placement of the look amongst urban environments.
6. I’m assuming you must have a favorite anime since you do a lot of anime murals. It seems like it would be Dragon Ball, but what is your favorite anime?
Not sure I have a favorite, but DBZ is definitely up there in my top anime list. I would also include Cowboy Bebop, Akira, AOT and every Studio Ghibli. Genius Party & Genius Party Beyond are pretty dope too, and Animatrix, but those are collective of multiple artists and various, nonlinear storylines. Worth watching, but can’t say I love every short, so I wouldn’t count them as favorites.
7. If you had to be an anime character, who would you want to be and why?
I wanna say Future Trunks because he’s my favorite character, but if I had to be one I would go with Majin Vegeta because I admire his determination and will. He’s so strong and focused at that stage in the series that he even bypasses being possessed. Like, what?! Someone has control of your body and mind, yet you still can muster up the strength to have free will?? Psssh, done.
8. I know there are some anime/manga about art and artists. Have you checked out any of them, such as Bakumon or Honey and Clover?
I haven’t checked either of those out. I’ve seen images from Bakuman, but I mostly get into fantastical storylines. That’s something I’ll have to look into.
9. Have you ever thought of showcasing your work at a convention or event? If you have already, what events?
I was lucky enough to showcase at Comicon in San Diego last summer. I really enjoyed the experience and definitely want to do conventions more in the future.
10. For any of the readers who are artist or people who want to get into art, what tips and advice can you give them?
Practice every day, literally. Even if you think it’s shitty at first, the repetition will grow a confidence and style in you and that’ll get the spark going. Diligence is like fuel to the fire inside.
MURALS:
Here are some of his current murals that currently exist.
