Juxtapoz Inspirations

The San Francisco contemporary magazine has influenced a lot of my pieces, for years. I remember roaming around our bookstores, here in Knoxville Tennessee and being memorized by each months cover. Traditional paintings are widely popular here (in the south). So, of course contemporary art is considered controversial - not as much today as it was 15 years ago. The demographics are changing constantly, and many westerners and northerners are bringing their skills around Knoxville. It's wonderful! I can't help but get excited about new cultures sharing their passions.

Anyway, back to Juxtapoz. I've interacted with many artists and publishers within their company. The best part is, unlike other companies or galleries - they're not afraid to publish the underground artists. Those who scribble provocative things, graffiti, modern, surreal, and (my favorite) "edgy" realism.

There comes a beautiful moment in life for artists, and that is accepting a "taught" schooled skill, or breaking the mold to express individuality. Personally, with my roots coming from my very conservative grandmother (floral artist) Ida Bland - I've developed a structure. Although, refusing to obey the realistic social standards, I've kept my identity. Isn't that what being an artist is about? No restrictions and pure freedom.