1xRUN Thru Interview
Honey, Suckle by J.A.W. Cooper
1xRun: Was this piece part of a recent theme, series or show that you had? If so how did it fit into that given grouping?
J.A.W. Cooper: “Honey, Suckle” was one of two pieces I made for a show at MondoPOP in Rome in 2011, both involving inter-species suckling.
1xRUN: What materials were used to create this piece with?
J.A.W. Cooper: Gouache, waterproof India ink and colorase on Stonehenge paper mounted to a board.
1xRun: When was the piece created and how long did it take to complete?
J.A.W. Cooper: I did this back in 2011. I think it probably took about a day of prep time and three days to paint, but it’s been a long time since then.
1xRun: Anything immediate you would like us to highlight?
J.A.W. Cooper: That “inter-species suckling” is a great phrase.
1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
J.A.W. Cooper: I knew I wanted to make a piece that involved suckling to explore with the sexual/taboo associations of such beautiful act. I wanted both the “mother” and “child” to have matching tattoos to create a visual bond between the two despite the “child” being a sphinx cat.
1xRun: What is unique about this piece?
J.A.W. Cooper: Inter-species suckling?
1xRun: Why do you feel people should buy this print?
J.A.W. Cooper: If you like beautiful things to also be a little creepy and up to interpretation then this is the print for you. Plus great way to vet new guests to your house!
1xRun: Describe the print in one gut reaction word.
J.A.W. Cooper: Creepy.
1xRun: When did you first start making art? What was your first piece?
J.A.W. Cooper: I started drawing in earnest at the age of 6.I have no idea probably a scribble of a cat.
1xRun: What artists inspired you early on and who inspires you now?
J.A.W. Cooper: Hokusai, Hiroshige, Sargent, Leyendecker, Haeckel, Audubon, Mucha, Toulouse-Lautrec, Steinlen, Chéret, and too many more to count.
1xRun: Do you listen to music while you work?
J.A.W. Cooper: Absolutely! When I work on a series I often make playlists tailored to the mood I want to create.
1xRun: If you could collaborate with any living artist who would it be and why? Any deceased artists?
J.A.W. Cooper: My mother who is a great scientific illustrator. Audubon who was a great scientific illustrator.
1xRun: What was the first piece of art that you bought? Do you still have it?
The last?
J.A.W. Cooper: A cardboard skateboard deck painted with acrylics by phenomenal artist and dear friend Mylan Nguyen back college! The last piece was an amazing and incredibly charming Yettie sculpture by phenomenal artist and dear friend Sinae Park!
1xRun: Any big shows or events coming up that you’d like to share?
J.A.W. Cooper: My next big solo show will be at La Luz de Jesus Gallery in April 2015!
1xRun: Where else can people find you?
J.A.W. Cooper: Website – Instagram@jawcooper – Blog – Facebook – Twitter – Tumblr
-1xRUN