ome of your painted works have a relatively realistic, figurative style, whereas your drawn pieces tend more toward the fantastical. From where does this distinction in mediums arise?
JJ: This distinction comes from my interest in external and internal observation—these are two very basic impulses that drive my urge to draw and paint. I like to draw what I see with my physical eyes as well as my mind’s eyes. But ultimately, it’s about having the freedom to create whatever imagery I want. I’m not limited by market forces or personal ideology.
How do you divide your time between illustration, painting, sculpture, and product design?
JJ: Whenever I feel exhausted or bored with one thing, I bounce to another. I don’t have a real schedule unless I’m working on a book, but even then, I make sure to take breaks or to change my perspective in some way by alternating my activity.