#rich jacobs

What’s your favorite thing about summer?  My favorite thing about summer is probably Italian ices, watermelon juice, backyard bbq's, sunsets, no school, no jackets or warm clothes needed, things in general seem a little mellower somehow. 

How do you TAKE FIVE and chill out when you’re not arting? I go on walks, or to a park, or the city and go record shopping.

Do you remember the first pair of Vans you ever had? So my very first pair of Vans for me was the original low tops. In the original colorwave -blue red blue in 1978. I then had blue gold blue. I had a pair of the Stacey Peralta style 36 we called’em Peraltas in royal blue now called old school Skate Hi’s or something, but mine were low tops. And I had a pair of gold and black stripes, and then like red ones mostly after that ... or sometimes black or navy slip ons. Wore them mostly since I was 6 basically. Always liked them for skating. 

Three words to describe what folks should expect tonight? Be ready to get open

Rich Jacobs may be based in Oakland, California, but he has [literally] made his mark across the world. Jacobs has exhibited and completed murals throughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, United States and most recently China. We just had to fish through the mind of this cultured artist and learn more about his bona fide perspective. Rich is known for his outlandish designs, but also his collaboration with vans, where he helped produce some wicked merchandise designs. His work is purely authentic when it comes to self-expression. Rich is just another human trying to make sense of this world and the mind we live in. Maybe that’s why his creations are so strangely relatable to us all.

Jennifer Jarvie: What made you get into art?

Rich Jacobs: Honestly, I think being a shy person was what initially got me into art. I used images, shapes and lines to do the talking I didn't want to do. Eventually, I altered that expression into making things I wanted to see, but couldn’t. I filtered through all of my life experiences and began to create things I needed to make sense of in the world around me... I think we often create an alternative to the reality we dislike, or in some instances, like. Some people use art, others use drugs or perhaps other harmful methods. I have never used drugs. Luckily, I went the art route.

JJ: Do you prefer gallery or street art?

RJ: I prefer anywhere that I feel safe or free. If I can make work outside I like it, but I totally like drawing and making stuff inside too. I guess I don't separate the two like many artists I know. I just see everything as a self-expression, basically. I enjoy not getting hassled or distracted by nonsense while trying to focus on what I am trying to create.

A recent mural done in Oakland, California.

JJ: How do you tie the two together?

RJ: It is easy. I just do both and don't let other peoples strict or purest devotion to one or the other get in the way. I don't feel a responsibility toward either. I just like to draw and make things. I don't suppose I have given much attention to what kind of drawing I make, or even define it. I like being on the blurred line of just creating and letting others decide where they think things fit.

JJ: What do you feel drives your creativity most?

RJ: To be completely honest, I think it is mostly life, current events, light, love, and curiosity. I think that comes from always feeling like I wanna document my feelings and try to make sense of them.

JJ: What are your favorite materials to create with? What is your go-to medium?

RJ: I like to find as many as I can. It can help me feel more excited about what I am creating. I like being surprised and unsure of the results. I never totally understood why someone would want to control what the outcome is every time. That’s like knowing what the words to a speech before you hear it, or seeing the notes of a song before it is played. There is no fun in that for me, really. I do prefer 94 spray paint because of its flatness, ability to dry quickly, and tendency to last longer outside. I often use Posca Markers, Sumi Ink, acrylic house paint and things like that, but I always like to try a new pen, a new brush or ink. I like mixing it up, combining weird color combinations, and try not to have it all figured out. The process is the fun part. Much like music, I prefer to improvise more than compose.

Canvas mural and sculptures Rich made for the Vans shoe release in Long Beach, California.

JJ: How would you describe your work?

RJ:  My work is from inside me. It is honest and shares a strong interest in rhythm. Especially, my pattern based work. I don’t know why, but I really enjoy trying to mix abstraction and figurative works.

JJ: What do you envision for your work? How do you wish for it to be perceived by others?

RJ: I am not sure I know how to answer this… Hm, I suppose I hope that people will want to go home and make art themselves, or even make a smoothie or maybe kiss someone they love… If someone looks at my work and walks away with a sense of wanting to make something themselves, then I am stoked! That is all I care about. The creative and productive reactions are how I measure if something is good.

A canvas piece recently made as a commision.

JJ: Is there a background story to your art?

RJ: Since I can remember, I have always just sincerely made art. I am really grateful to be able to.

JJ: What sort of thought processes do you go through to arrive at certain concepts?

RJ: Honestly, I try not to interfere with what is supposed to come out of me. Instead, I try to go where I feel free, then tap into that. I trust that if I am living a good life, then my art will also be good… if I am living an interesting life, then my work should also be interesting.

JJ: I know you have moved and traveled around a bit. Which place has been the most inspiring or impactful for your work?

RJ: I love seeing new things, so anywhere new is always inspiring. I recently traveled to China and Japan and they were both really impactful. I like being reminded we are all in the same position; just trying to survive and be happy. I want to continue to live in many places and see the sun set in unusual settings.

A mural for Vans in Shanghai, China.

JJ: What is art? How would you express it to someone who doesn’t know what ‘art’ is?  

RJ: For me, it is a way of trying to communicate with a visual priority, rather than a spoken emphasis. I believe self-expression is the root of it. I am still searching for its origin or birthplace, but I think it started out as a way to kill boredom and the dullness a life without it would produce.

JJ: What advice can you give to aspiring artists?

RJ: Kick hard against the pricks of which there could be many. Don’t listen to the radio. Don’t paint on your pants just so other people can see you are an artist. Only make work that you like, even if you know you are crazy. Don't compare your successes to other artists. Success is random and shouldn't be compared anyway. Never think you are good enough already. Try new things out, like being nice and using  deodorant. Have fun trying to make a living, but don't do art for the money.... and drugs don't work in the long term. Try drinking water instead.

A ramp painted for a Vans skate event in Shanghai, China.