You might have seen him on the streets of Shreveport drawing portraits of anyone interested or just doodling around, but local artist Jared Leeaux is more than a caricature artist. His pen and ink characters and color pencil designs come to life on paper, on walls and in his clothing + art project, Threeofcups. We caught up with Jared to ask all the hard hitting questions.
What do you like on your hamburger? Or are you vegan?
Pizza. Avocados. Ice cream. Fruit shakes. Denny’s.
Good answer. So, what kind of artist are you?
I would like to call myself a “raw visual” artist. A lot of what I create has connected with me in some form or another. Usually I’m able to have an explanation of my actions or why I used a certain color scheme. I use visual art to express.
Where are you from?
I was born in Houston Texas, but I moved [to Shreveport] when I was really young.
How long have you lived in Shreveport?
Since I was in grade school, about 1993, 1994, 1995, I don’t know haha somethings are best left unsure.
What’s your favorite place/thing to do in Shreveport-Bossier?
I honestly do not have a favorite place to hang out at except Stray Cat bar on spur of the moment lonely nights when my mind gets the best of me.
For an all ages kind of approach I would say enjoy a nice cup of coffee at the Rhino. As far things to do, usually cruise around with friends around town, play frisbee golf or just hang out around the river front. I also highly enjoy card games. (Yu-Gi-Oh is the only thing that matters though I have not played in a while, it’s been my childhood)
What’s your favorite color?
I do not have a favorite color, but if I had to chose, it would be… … …red? maybe black? I really like yellow… and cyan blue, orange is cool too…
What are your favorite colors to use in your art? Why?
Hmm. That is a tough question, I seriously let the art speak to me then I apply the color, or if I have a preset pallet, it usually includes: browns, grays, and yellows.
What was the first piece of art you ever completed?
When I was about 5 or 6, I drew the skyline out of a hotel.
When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
At birth I suppose. I didn’t know I want to do anything else. I guess I’ve always wanted to be a creator.
If you had unlimited funds, what would you do?
This. Question. Here. IF I HAD THIS, I would be creating a network of organic farms in a lot of major cities, creating community projects involving farming, bee farming, and art programs that encourage those, no matter what age, to CREATE. Along with the entertainment side, there would be seasonal festivals year round that cater to all ages. As the funds would be unlimited, my ideas would match. The main goals though would bring community together. That is highly important in this day and age.
What does being an artist mean to you?
Being an artist is seriously my life. I do not know too many who have dedicated their life to just art and creation. At least for my age group and what I’ve been exposed to. All I really know is art. It is my release from this realm. It is my gift. It is my duty to create. If I’m not creating, I don’t know what I’m doing. It helps me connect with people on many levels, and brings smiles to people when I share or give art to them. That alone is just too beautiful to me.
How, if at all, has the Shreveport-Bossier artistic scene changed while you’ve been working within it?
It has drastically changed. I can honestly say from growing up here until about last year, If someone said art scene I would of thought they were joking or just really excited about ArtBreak. I guess the time is prime for the creative souls be recognized. It’s been highly supportive lately and I really like the direction it is headed. Please tell SRAC to never stop what they are doing.
Did you have any idols/role models that helped facilitate this dream?
Upon growing up, yes. I found two role models both from the UK. Paul Griffiths of Babycakes, he created an independent clothing line from his bedroom which has made history. That is one thing that inspired me while growing up. Recently another influence was street artist Banksy. He is just a prodigy and I feel we share similar views on our time here on Earth. Ultimately, I am inspired by this world we live in. Daily.
You have created a character that appears in a lot of your work. What can you tell us about that character and how it came to be? His name is JEAN (pronounced Jon) French. That is a story I would love to share.
When I recently got situated in my friends place, I was sitting alone and looking through some art that I needed to finish in order to try and sell them and pay some rent.
I was staring at a basically empty sheet of paper, the only thing on it was a hand with a little eye in the center. I was filled with drive to complete this and make something of that page. To finish what I start and not give up. That is a big deal with me, so swiftly I began on that page to knock it out. I drew another hand, turned it into an antler, and then gave it a body and this nameless character appeared.
I went about two weeks without a name for him until I went to this event. This band from France came through our city named JEAN JEAN and performed at Back to Back Bar in Bossier City. I was instantly a fan after hearing their music and seeing them perform. I connected with the members and gave them artwork. I even drew portraits of all three of the members. They were such a lively group.
I guess around that time I was going through a weird mental phase as this lonesome, but not lonesome character was appearing in my art. The timing of when I named him just seemed to match up. As JEAN JEAN was an explosive band, JEAN (a single), is a work of art contained in a single form.
He is more than just a little image to me, I could say we relate in appearance. Or mentality. Friends would explain what they see in him, and I would always get back, “He looks like he’s seen a lot, to be quite a loner” I would respond “Yeah he has been around for a while, just watches the human race do their little hustle and bustle.”
I’m making him into a comic right now, to further express how I see JEAN,.
Along with limited edition tee shirts that will pop in and out of my Clothing + Art Project titled IIIofcups (Threeofcups). We had our first feature of JEAN on tees within the same month he was created.
He will be the next ‘Blue Dog’ figure but better, he will have a personality that many could relate to.
What words of advice would you give to young – or old – people pursuing an artistic life..?
NEVER. GIVE. UP. No matter what. If someone is slandering you about anything you are doing that you love, take a moment to not care and continue to do what you love. Never let another person get you down or have that kind of power over you to where you stop doing what you love. Nope no never. I never did it. People gave me crap thinking I could not pull this off, and I’m just like “Okay well this is my life, this is my calling. You might not see this but I do, and your opinion really has no value unless I decide to give it value.”
What do you hope people feel from looking at your work? Gain? Experience?
I hope they feel what I felt while creating it. When I give out special doodles with some of my thoughts written out on them, they have been relating to the person who received the gift. Its actually really astonishing. That lets me know I have a serious connection with this gift. I don’t take it for granted.
I want people to gain a story from me, about me, whatever, I just want them to enjoy the work.
Everyone has their own experience, from what I’ve witnessed lately, and it’s a beautiful thing to see/take part in.
If you could be any animal what would you be?
Turtle. A giant tortoise.
See, all the hard questions. Thanks, man.
Check out Jared’s work and clothing at Facebook.