Oh man...

Last night I got to go see my favorite artist, James Jean, speak about his art. It. Was. Amazing. Only about 30 some people showed up, I assume because of weather coupled with the fact that this didn't seem to be very heavily promoted. Whatever the reasons I'm glad not many people were in attendance. I think it allowed for a much more intimate setting, which was enhanced by the heckling of some fellow artists (David Choe primarily, who is also a fantastic artist) that Jean knew. I've heard he's always been rather reserved and brief in discussions and panels so I was really pleased that this was all about him and he really seemed to open up (somewhat begrudgingly at times, ha!) about his world. He spoke about everything from his schooling to influences both old and new, technique, business, where he's heading with his art and just himself as a person. I could not have been more pleased, but then I was.

After the show he spent some time in the lobby meeting everyone and signing prints or anything of his that you had. I, being a super genius, didn't bring any of my copies of his books. I was just so excited to be going that I completely blanked. However he was doing small sketches on fliers and I asked if he would do a sketch in my book, which he did! Then I took the picture with him after my friend told me I had to or I would regret it. I'm the grinning idiot and he is the brooding-uber-cool-rock-star-artist? I am just so completely in awe of his work that I just freeze up when I'm around him. I tried to say something while I was standing next to him but all that came out was "hublubuh mumble mumble..." quieter than a breath. Then like a five year old that has no other way of expressing his appreciation for someone I gave him a pack of my buttons and mumbled something about "these are my thing uh button here I just doodles not very good here, thanks". I feel like a complete idiot, but I don't really care. Even if he just throws them in a drawer I'm kind of glad I did it.

One thing I found interesting was that he seemed to feel like he wasn't really appreciated for his painting because it's somewhat overshadowed by his illustrative work. Even though he's really only getting going on his personal work, I'm sure people will be talking and writing about his fine art body of work for a long time. Besides, the lines between the two are so blurred. It was a really inspiring night and I really hope to some day be even remotely as talented as he is already.