Jon Burgerman
Nottingham, United Kingdom
Bio
British artist Jon Burgerman's mantra is "pens are my friends". He's taken the traditional tool of the toddler and forged a career out of creating beautiful doodles out of felt tip pens. His work has appeared on hoodies for Kidrobot, surfboards for Ripcurl and even on a My Little Pony. Now you can get his "wonky, wibbly, odd, happy and dumb" style on your laptop, walls and car.
is famous for his doodle artworks, a style that he describes as “wonky, wibbly, odd, happy and dumb”. His work has appeared in galleries around the world, in boutique hotel rooms, on vinyl toys, and in fashion campaigns... but never before on a car.
Interview
Describe your style:
A menagerie of wired lines, shapes, characters and saturated hues.
What’s the name of your Infectious art piece?
Lunar Park.
Tell us a little bit about the piece and the inspiration behind it:
It’s called Lunar Park. On one hand it’s a simple collection of characters enjoying each others’ company on a sunny day in the park. On the other, there’s a slight suggestion in the drawings that some of the characters have enjoyed themselves a little too much. I like the LP Dark Side of the Moon and the book Lunar Park by Brett Easton Ellis. I can’t say these have completely influenced this work but I think the idea of ‘lunatics in the park’ and the title of the book were in my brain somewhere while creating this.
What car or vehicle would you love to see you art on?
A giant zeppelin!
Other than on a car, where would you like to see your art?
I think my art would be good on buildings, bikinis and biscuits (cookies to you Americans!)
Name three artists whose work you’ve recently seen and loved?
Dumb Youth, Dan Has Potential and Mr Pinks.
What was your last sketch?
What are your most treasured possessions?
My sketchbooks, my computer, my pens and my cardigans.
What’s been the most extreme or unusual reaction to your work?
Someone once wanted a giant tattoo of my work on their back. As he wanted to cover such a large part of his back with my work, I felt it was only fitting I draw something bespoke just for him. I included references to things he loves in the artwork such as music and winter sports.
What’s playing on repeat on your iPod this week?
Emperor Tomato Ketchup by Stereolab.
If your art was music, what would it sound like?
It would be one of those songs that changes styles every 40 seconds. First it would be lo-fi and scratchy, then 8-bit music samples, then loud and overblown before finally ending with hand claps, banjos, whistles and someone kicking over a bin.
What’s the most random thing you’ve ever doodled on?
I’ve doodled a few flesh-bots, but unfortunately, unlike body doodler Tilt, all I get are arms! I need a wider canvas next time… ahem.
What’s the most unusual thing you have traded for a doodle?
I’ve traded doodles for food once. I had an exhibition in Edinburgh a year ago and called it Free Lunch. Visitors to the opening night were invited to bring along some food in trade for a secret gift, which turned out to be a little doodle-print. So many people brought me yummy food it got me thinking, the next exhibition I have really should be called Free Money.
If you had to change careers, what would be next?
I’d like to be a turnip farmer.
Are there any upcoming shows or projects you’d like to share?
I’ve got a whole host of exhibitions planned for this year. The next one will be in Milan and then most likely Berlin. I’ve got a couple of books coming out too, one by ROJO which is a collection of doodles, photographs and remixed pieces. The other book is a big collection of my artworks and commercial projects, with lots of other goodies included. That is published by IdN and should be out later this year. Towards the end of the year there should be a collection of toys too!
Check out jonburgerman.com for more details
2/20/08
