British artist Jon Burgerman is a prolific creator, though sometimes his work taking a playful tone like in his latest release Hot Dog, but don’t let that fool you, Burgerman’s work ethic is serious. Just last year his work was featured at the White House for their Act/Art Now print exhibition. Read on to catch up on the latest with Jon Burgerman and be sure to grab a print or piece of original artwork from his latest RUN…
1xRUN: Tell us a little bit about this piece, was there an original created? Anything immediate you would like us to highlight?
Jon Burgerman: Yeah, I found a long piece of wood lying around my studio (Invisible Dog building, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn) and wanted to draw something on it. “What could fit on a super long piece of wood?” I thought to myself…A snake? A ladder? A sub? Then I thought, ah yes, a stupidly long hotdog. Do you like dogs? Do you like processed meat snacks? Do you like fun? Then this is for you.
1x: What materials were used on this piece?
Jon Burgerman: I think Krink and acrylic paint.
Jon Burgerman: A few months ago whilst the weather was still deciding whether to be horrible or nice for a bit.
1x: Tell us how the idea and execution came about.
Jon Burgerman: I had an idea and I made it a reality. That’s the magic about drawing; with a single pen on a surface you can make your dreams come true.
Jon Burgerman: Not long, about as long as it takes to eat a sandwich, then an apple and then have a cup of tea.
1x: What is unique about this piece compared with some of your other work?
Jon Burgerman: It’s goofy and fun and really really simple. It’s a simple, playful idea and that’s it. Everyone can understand it and perhaps it will make them smile.
1x: Why should people buy this print?
Jon Burgerman: Because they like to smile.
1x: Describe the piece in one gut reaction word.
Jon Burgerman: Fun.
1x: How much time a day would you spend drawing, sketching or painting?
Jon Burgerman: I would like to spend all my time drawing, but sadly that is not possible what with everything else you have to do to keep alive as a freelance artist.
1x: Your work seems fluid and effortless, is it ? What do you do when you are struggling with an idea?
Jon Burgerman: I read. I go out and look at other things. I make music. I generally just immerse myself in other things and not focus too much on trying to have an idea. Ideas will come, sometimes you have to nurture them and give them time. If all else fails I eat a banana.
Jon Burgerman: Never spend more than you have on your work. Avoid being in debt (to the banks and to other people.) Love what you do and focus on making good work.
1x: What were some of the shit jobs that you did to make a buck before you were able to support yourself as a working artist?
Jon Burgerman: I once worked in a trophy factory. It’s quite weird making ornaments for other people’s success whilst you’re stuck in a windowless basement.
Jon Burgerman: It’s been chill. I’ve not traveled at all in 2016, which has been a nice change. No shows either. I’ve just been focusing on making books. The first of which will come out this summer, it’s called Jon Burgerman’s Burgerworld. It’s a colouring in book. The other books will come out next year.
1x: Any other big plans for the Spring/Summer you want to share?
Jon Burgerman: I will go to Korea and Japan with friends and lovers.
Jon Burgerman: Whatever I have covered, I don’t want you to touch.
1xRUN: Where else can people find you?
Jon Burgerman: – Website – Instagram @jonburgerman – Twitter @jonburgerman – Youtube – Tumblr – Snapchat @jonburgerman
-1xRUN