Valentiger Interviews John John Jesse

s for a quick ‘roots & fruits' question: You are an old school punker with raw opinions; how does this connect with your refined style and extravagant framing?

Well I’m a Virgo so being a bit anal with detail and seamless clean lines is unavoidable I suppose...its just how I am...the Victorian framing was inspired by Vivienne Westwood...her old designs we all torn apart and vicious yet set to an elegant surrounding...it creates a nice balance...

There are lots of sexy girls in your work, but they are not the traditional big-boobed, long haired babes. Whats your inspiration?

Its not supposed to be real sexy or anything like that...thats dull...I’m not a pinup artist. I have something to say and nudity is natural and cute. Its not really about sex anywhere. Besides the models I use, that’s just what they look like. Skinny and cute.

Your work historically has contained Catholic imagery; some of them are subjective, but some are assailant. Do you have angst against the Church, God, or hypocrites?

I went to catholic school for 8years and was brought to church every Sunday by my mom....it wasn’t a choice I had. I have no love for organized religion. Its usually hypocritical and many have died in wars based on denomination. I believe in spirituality. A wise man once said " Religion are for those who are afraid of going to Hell BUT spirituality are for those who have been through hell."

Are you a priest or philosopher?

Punk rocker, and autonomous. Period.

Your works are mixed media; is there a certain process you follow?

Yeh, a technique ive basically concocted through alot of trial and error...it gives it that certain something, realness an in your face dimension maybe.

Is there a technique that you have discovered to be personally groundbreaking to your work or style?

Well when I unconsciously made my work into my autobiography I feel I gave the viewer, fan or whatever the way to relate on a one on one level to me. I truly believe why I sell a lot of work and got the attention I did...it's real and honest.

What critique on your work most pissed you off?

When people say, "wow, those chicks are hot!"... Asshole.

Do you ever include hidden messages (Easter eggs) into your work? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter_egg_(virtual )

Tons, but not everytime. they’re all a metaphor for something personal.

As for punk rock, who do you consider to be the most underrated punk band ever,…..the most overrated, and, what about these new pop-punk radio bands?

All true underground punk bands are underrated. But the pop punk bands on MTV can go drop dead cuz its not real punk. No fucking way. Its teen frat music now...

If there would to be a soundtrack to your work, what would it be?

Dead Boys "Aint It Fun" , "Do they Owe us A Living" by Crass and "Fuck the USA" by the Exploited.

Are there any newer artists that you enjoy, or that you would consider to be new heavyweights?

I love my girlfriend Lauren's artwork...she's yet to be seen...its very punk. Like true punk rock.

What is one of your hidden guilty pleasures?

Ice cream.

- John John
www.johnjohnjesse.net

John John Jesse's Bio/Profile