Donny Miller… what can we say about one of the most irreverant artists working today? In March 2012, we stopped by the Southern California artist's home to discuss his unique brand of conceptual, pop, performance, street, video, and political art. We just released two new Juxtapoz x Donny Miller tees in our webstore... go check those out now, and read this tale... 

Black Dynamite has been slowly infiltrating his way into all forms of media ever since Michael Jai White first conceived the character in 2006. After a critically acclaimed film in 2009, the Black Dynamite team joined up with Carl Jones to take Dynamite into television.

In the approximately 35 years of modern skateboarding, the importance of the artwork adorning the bottom of the boards themselves cannot be overstated. A mash-up of personal expression, corporate branding, propagandic conveyance, and sometimes, even true fine art at their best, they can express many of the seemingly schizophrenic facets of the skateboard world for which they speak.

For Steve Powers, the mandate of Public Art is entrenched in public service. I hope his mission continues and catches on with others in the field. Beyond offering an inspiring uppercut of double entendre’d messaging, Powers offers a free sign making service to the surrounding neighborhood during his stay. In this way he can give back to the local shops in need of some exterior surface painting outreach. After all, they are the ones permanently hosting the event whether they like Powers’ work or not. That way, he leaves an impression when he leaves an impression.

Walt drew a pleasingly plump, smiling mouse and built a home for him in Disneyland, the Happiest Place on Earth. Big Daddy Roth created a sweaty-palmed, bloodshot, orbed rodent who looked like he frequented the seedier side of the Golden State. Fittingly, Ed Roth ended up spending the sunset days of his career at Knott’s Berry Farm, which was known for shoot ‘em up tableaux and way scarier rides. I stopped by Robert and Suzanne’s homestead to get a firsthand spin from the flinty eyed Williams himself.

Journalists love the idea of making lists, and “Best Of” and “Man of the Year” picks. I’m not sure if we like to do this because it magnifies our positions as cultural arbiters, but as far as year end issues go, there will be plenty of publications and journalists making their play to define 2012. I personally don’t make lists, but I like to look at a calendar year and see who has contributed a body of work that can define, explain, and embody contemporary art at that given moment.  

What can I do to change the world? I’m no folk singer! (paraphrased from Bill Maher)  

“What inspires you?” I fucking hate that question. But I’ll get back to that in a moment.  

Daniel Clowes is a one-man comics institution. From his early work for Cracked Magazine, to his long-running, alternative comic book series, Eightball, which spawned feature films and graphic novels, Clowes has always been a prolific pioneer in style and approach.  

There is a duality in the work of Evan Hecox. Each piece of art is instantly recognizable as his, from skate graphics to fine art pieces, there is a command of style unlike any artists I can recall. Secondly, the viewer recognizes a location and history in the paintings—his street corner signage—the storefronts are abstract but familiar.