Pen’s Eye: Jeremy Biggers

Dear Pennies & Pens,

As you all know, I went to Artopia in Dallas a few weeks back. If you missed it, check it out here: Press Pen: Dallas Observer Artopia 2015. After the event, I was browsing through Twitter to see what I missed at the event (yes the event was so big that you missed things even if you were there) when I came across the work of Artist Jeremy Biggers.

Jeremy is a creative with multiple titles and the talent to match. He’s an artist, photographer, designer, and cinematographer based in Dallas. Jeremy is also the Owner/Creator of the Stem and Thorn brand. He’s been creating images his entire life and attended an art high school where he focused on graphite and charcoal drawing.

Jeremy’s work is a reflection of how he views the world. His goal with each piece is to inspire conversation; conversation within the viewer, or conversation among other viewers. Jeremy’s work is a mix between realism and simplicity.

I think that’s what made me fall in love with Jeremy’s work. It looks very simple but it still makes you think. Take his Abandoned Picnic series for example. A first glance, you see the classic picnic tablecloth with an item that’d you find at a picnic on top. So in your mind, you think: “Okay that’s nice.”

 

But, I’m asking you to look closer and ask yourself why someone would abandon a picnic? Aren’t picnics supposed to be fun events with drinks and food that bring people together? And how was this piece created? And why does it look so real? Let the wheels in your head turn and do even more by asking your friends and family what they think. Art is about conversation so by all means start one.

My apologies, I seem to have gotten off the track here. Let me serve you the main course. I had the opportunity to interview Jeremy about his creative process and work. With no further adieu, check out: Pen’s Eye: Jeremy Biggers.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Dallas, TX.

How has your heritage influenced you as an artist?

Until recently I wouldn’t say my heritage influenced my work too much. My work was more about the pop culture and comic book references from my childhood and humor. And in some ways I am continuing that side of who I am through art.

Recently though, I’ve taken another direction that will force people to take my work even more seriously than they had prior to this direction. I can’t speak on exactly what that is just yet, but the new direction is absolutely influenced by my heritage.

What school did you go to?

I attended Booker T Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in downtown Dallas. I then attended Eastfield College in Mesquite, TX, then University of Texas at Arlington.

What inspires you to create art?

I’m inspired by life. I may see a movie, or hear a song, or part of a conversation with a friend and want to create something based on that thought, idea.

What made you decide to become an artist?

I’ve been an artist my entire life. I never really “chose” to be an artist per se. However I did “choose” to be an artist as a viable source of income at some point in college, and I recently quit my day job and I’m doing art full time now.

Tell me more about your creative process as far as how you create your pieces? What tools, programs, or mediums do you use?

My process depends on what the project calls for. I’m a creator. I’m an artist. I create using paint, photography, videography, and graphic design. I use the tools of the trade of their respective disciplines.

Most of my creative process though is being a problem solver. It’s about not allowing people to project their limitations onto me. If there is a project that requires me to learn a new skillset, I learn it.  It’s about growth and not half-assing anything, especially learning.

Which piece that you’ve created is your favorite? Why?

The last piece I create is always my favorite until I create the next one. Being a creative for me is about growth, so each piece teaches me something new and I use that along with everything else I’ve learned along the way on the next piece.

So every piece should be better than the one before it. Sure I fall short of that goal sometimes, but the goal never changes.

What advice would you give to young art artists who are starting to build their portfolios?

Don’t listen to advice. Don’t allow people to project their limitations onto you. Do what works for you, and your situation. Don’t half ass it.

Who is your favorite artist and why?

I have a LOT of favorite artists for different reasons… some of which I don’t even know their names… (I follow them on Instagram.) But I would have to say of the well known artists, Chuck Close, Kehinde Wiley, Mike Thompson, Ron English, Nikko Hurtado.

My friends Hatziel Flores, Carlos Donjuan, Ricardo Oviedo, Bryan Blue, Joonbug. All of their styles are unique and just really push me to be better at everything I do.

Tell me about present and upcoming projects?

As I mentioned I have a new series I’m working on that will deal with my heritage and growing up in my culture. I’m still pushing my lifestyle brand Stem & Thorn (stemandthorn.com) and I’m doing quite a few music videos lately.

So there’s never a dull moment around these parts these days.

Keep up with Jeremy here: JeremyBiggers.com

And there is: de la Pen…All Pen Everything. With us, keeping it real never goes wrong.