James Jean in Manila 2012

When I first realized I was going to meet James Jean, I first wondered about what to ask him. What images does he have locked up in his mind to come up with his art? Faceless fairies, engulfing waves, dripping fingers, floating figures, creatures I've never seen before, I thought, how does one even think of this? I expected to meet someone I couldn't understand, just as I couldn't grasp his world. Instead, I met one of the most down-to-earth, hardworking, educated, and street smart artists I've ever come to know. 

Seemingly effortless: James Jean's Sketchbook Pages

A world inside a world: James Jean's Sketchbook Pages 

James Jean explaining his work to the students to DLSU-CSB

I very much enjoyed sitting in his Artist's Talks. He not only shed light upon his work and how he conceptualized them, but also how he moves forward with progressing his art. A few points that struck a chord in me when he explained them:

When asked how he avoids repeating what he had done before, he said that it is best to develop the better part of what you've done already and translate that into something new. Just as with his work now, he translates his signature images into different objects, jewelry and scarves. 

An art show in the U.S. 

James Jean's Art on Wine Bottles 

When asked about the effect art school had on his work, he said “art school is what you put into it, not what it puts into you.” He had not started out as the top of his class nor the best at his craft, but he allowed the experience to develop his skill and his taste in aesthetics, and that, in the end, set him apart in his generation.  

James Jean signs books for the students in line. 

 This photo shows the cover of his latest work, Rebus. 

A fan asks James Jean to sketch him! 

And lastly, what I will take forever with me is what he said about goals and success. He was asked in the open forum for what his ultimate goal was in his career. When did he think he was going to consider himself successful? But he noted that success isn't in having a goal and achieving it (though of course, for some people, it is). For him, he achieved his success in having something he believed in, something to do everyday that he loved and thought was worthwhile, and he let that take him somewhere. “The success comes from the diligence,” he said. 

The Artist's Talk in Ateneo, where James explains his influences from classic art.

A sketch that he drew on the spot for an interviewer.

I can't explain what an exhilarating and inspirational three days it was: meeting students and customers who are his fans, showing his books and art to passersby, following the events, even having lunch with him! What a perfect way to begin 2012. Until now, I can't wait to experience the same kind of excitement for the rest of the year. :)


James Jean's titles, Kindling, XOXO, Fables Covers, Rift, and issues of Fables are available online at fullybookedonline.com  For more about his art and work, visit jamesjean.com.

Gift Guide 2011 Part 2: For the Creative Cluster

For this week's gift guide entry, I've chosen to focus on the artist in everyone that screams to realize itself! I believe everyone has a creative side to them, whether it's in one's way of drawing or visualizing, or even in his or her way of coming up with ideas out of thin air. 

These gifts are for anyone you think has that side, too. Maybe a friend whose ideas always impress you needs some inspiration? Or your mom who never had time to be crafty around the house could use a tip or two from those who know best? I had such a hard time curating this list, with all the design and craft accessories in Fully Booked. This list is only really a scratch on the surface of an ocean of art-related books and items to ignite the creative flame in everyone!

For the handy-at-home, Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts and a silhouette-making box set would be a perfect combination of gifts. Some inspiration may also come from PUSH Stichery: 30 Artists Explore the Boundaries of Stitched Art, and from the planners and calendars featuring work of artists Kandisky, Matisse, among others. Who wouldn't want to be surrounded by their art all year long? We also have funny post-its from Knock Knock that spice up any working space.

1.  Kandinsky 2012 large calendar, P1848; 2. Hokusai 2012 small calendar, P648; 3. Setting the Scene: The Art & Evolution of Animation Layout, P2699; 4. Will Barnet: A Book of Postcards, P299; 5. LS Lowry 2012 teNeues Planner, P698; 6. Henri Martisee 2012: Art & Silhouettes small calendar, P748; 7. More Graphic Simplicity: Cool, Natural, Sweet, Colorful, Modern, P3375; 8. Someday: Mini Sticky Notes by Knock Knock, P399; 9.  PUSH Stitchery: 30 Artists Explore the Boundaries of Stitched Art, P838; 10. Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts: An A-to-Z Guide with DetailedInstructions and Endless Inspirations, P1375; 11. Silhouettes: The Art and Craft of Papercutting, P754; 12. Deluxe Holiday Cards from Peter Pauper Press, Inc., P675.

To my delight, I found a compilation of all the paintings found in the Louvre! A bulky, but beautiful gift for anyone with an appreciation for the art classics. We also have a few design books to inspire graphic professionals.  My personal favorite is a new arrival, Menagerie by Sharon Montrose, for her simple, but striking animal photos. 

For the frustrated, but willing artist-at-heart, Sark's New Creative Companion may be a good way to help them get back on track. For the already established ones, we have quite a selection of Cretacolor artist pastels and pencils, fresh from the box for new art in the new year.

1.  Martha Stewart's Crafts 2012 Planner, P698; 2. Nifty Notes: Sweet Nothing by Knock Knock, P199; 3. Typography Sketchbooks by Steven Heller and Lita Talarico, P2475; 4. Color & Collage: Origami Art, P840; 5. Picasso 2012 small calendar, P648; 6. Cretacolor Artist Studio 12 Soft Pastels, P499; 7. The Louvre: All the Paintings, P3375; 8. Sark's New Creative Companion: Ways to Free Your Creative Spirit, P599; 9. Word as Image by Ji Lee, P560; 10. Monet 2012 small calendar, P648; 11. Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring 3D Bookmark, P80; 12. Klimt 2012 teNeues Planner, P698; 13. Van Gogh 3D Bookmark, P80; 14. Never Use More Than Two Different Typefaces: And 50 Other Ridiculous Typography Rules, P1170; 15. Menagerie by Sharon Montrose, P660.

 

New stock of The Marvel Encyclopedia has just arrived, perfect for the comic book lover brother you might have! The Disposable Skateboard Bible and Realities by Ronald Ventura might also make a good gift for him. A Bansky 2012 Calendar for any street art fan will be a jem for the new year.

We have Letraset markets for those who not only appreciate, but draw their own work. Dan Roam's Blah Blah Blah: What to Do When Words Don't Work and Keep Calm and Carry On are also my recommendations for the quirky gifts, while some difficult origami may also be a good exercise for them.  A nice, sleek, Miquelrius 2012 planner is also available, for the minimalist artist!

1.  The Marvel Encyclopedia: Updated and Expanded, P1680; 2. Banksy 2012 small calendar, P698; 3. Ryan McGinnes 2012 small calendar, P698; 4. Realities by Ronald Ventura, P2450; 5. Letraset ProMarker Comic Art 2, P799; 6. Blah Blah Blah: What to Do When Words Don't Work, P1120; 7. Book & Paper Deluxe Origami Set, P950; 8. The Disposable Skateboard Book, P2299; 9. Keep Calm and Carry On, P360; 10. Miquelrius 2012 Gray Planner, P450.

 We have restocked our shelves with the Transformers Vault for fanatics who would prize the compilation. A book about the evolution of stickers into art would also be a funky addition to any shelf! A cute Spider-Man gift card set I found had to be in this roster, as well as a large-sized Miquelrius notebook with a cool scribble design. For more serious artists, we have a 24-color set of Tria markers, and more Letraset markers for inking. 

Funny post-its from Knock Knock, a Banksy 2012 planner, and The Book of Holiday Awesome wrap up this pile of artsy books for artists! 

1. Stickers: From Punk Rock to Contemporary Art, P1575; 2 and 3. Transformers Vault: The Complete Transformers Universe, P1450; 4. Tria Manga and Comic 24 Marker Collection + Wallet, P3599; 5. Miquelrius Large Notebook, P550; 6. Bansky 2012 teNeues Planner, P698; 7. Status Update: Keep it Simple Stickies by Knock Knock, P150; 8. The Book of Holiday Awesome, P799; 9. Letraset Blending Set Muted, P999; 10. The Amazing Spiderman: 20 Assorted Notecards and Envelopes, P628.

Our last group for the creative cluster includes movie art books from Kung Fu Panda 2, Toy Story 3 and my personal favorite from the bunch, Up! Take any animator friend you might have behind the scenes of the best Hollywood studios with The Art of Pixar. We also have the 75-year compilation of the best of Life magazine, and a planner with cartoons from The New Yorker. These cute tote bags with Bob Dylan and Woody Allen would also be perfect for the movie maven in everyone! 

1.  Letraset ProMarker Skin Tones, P430; 2. Life: 75 Years: The Very Best of Life, P149; 3.  Bob Dylan Tote Bag, P499; 4. The Art of Toy Story 3, P1799; 5. The Art of Pixar: The Complete Colorscripts and Select Art from 25 Years of Animation, P2250; 6. Leonard Maltin's 2012 Movie Guide, P399; 7. Woody Allen Tote Bag, P499; 8. Cartoons from The New Yorker 2012 Calendar, P588; 9. The Art of Kung Fu Panda 2, P1798; 10. The Art of Up, P1799; 11.  Letraset ProMarker Brights, P399.

This gift guide implies all products are available as of Saturday, November 19, 2011. Please call 8587000 or email me at lucy@fullybookedonline.com for inquiries. You may also visit www.fullybookedonline.com for more book details.