James Spooner has never done anything other than be an artist. Having attended Laguardia high school for art here in New York City, James was in bands, explored sculpture and the Fine Arts after high school and eventually started working in film while DJing. You may know him as the Father of Afropunk, about which he made a popular documentary, and helped “started that whole scene,” says Spooner. He later transitioned into Tattooing, which is how he currently makes a living. Illustration, writing and comics are another major focus right now. “Art is the only thing I’ve ever known. I don’t know how to do anything else,” reflects the currently Los Angeles-based creative. His work is primarily about identity, race politics, and being a father, punk rocker and boyfriend. As for the challenges, he struggles with workaholism at times and must make a conscious effort to keep the balance. He’s really excited about his coming (yet-to-be-titled) graphic novel based on James’ first years in the punk scene. The story takes place in 1989, when a bi-racial boy in the high desert discovers race, love and punk rock. James also has a comic in the works about how to get a good tattoo. You can follow him on Instagram, where he releases a weekly comic called “Spooners No Fun” @spoonersnofun. Moving forward, the artist plans to just keep on working. “Who knows what will come out of me in what medium? I certainly don’t.”
Follow him on instagram @spoonersnofun @monocletattoo