Jun 17, 2013 8 Questions With: Jasper Wong
Jasper Wong is an accomplished Hawaii-based artist, illustrator, and curator, well known for his eye-catching work for clients including Nike, Hurley, Nooka, Ace Hotel, DC Shoes, and many more. His fine art is incredibly appealing too, and has landed him press features in publications such as Acclaim, Complex, VICE, and Juxtapoz. But above and beyond all his own incredible creative output, Jasper is also very well known for promoting other artists and the arts through his successful community-minded arts endeavors like the Loft In Space gallery, which he founded in Honolulu, and for creating and leading the annual POW! WOW! art summit which has successfully given many walls in the Kaka’ako neighborhood an amazing face-lift. POW! WOW! has been such a wild success, it’s set to expand to new shores shortly. I was lucky enough to catch up with Jasper while he was visiting LA recently, and now you can read on to discover more about what makes this creative powerhouse tick.
What are you currently working on?
Planning POW! WOW! is a year round process, so I’m always working on an aspect of the event throughout the year. At the same time, I’m also doing a bit of curatorial, design or illustration work. Recent projects include curating an artist series of beer bottles for Warsteiner in Germany. Illustration and design work for clients such as Fast Company magazine and Floyd Mayweather. Painting will always be a big part of who I am, so there are a few canvases in the works. I’m also sketching out ideas for a large mural in Montreal that I’ll paint in July.
How would you describe your job?
It’s always a constant learning process. I keep my mind open and I’m always looking to learn something new. It keeps life interesting.
What does your average work day look like?
A ton of emails and meetings. It never seems to end, but it’s always signs of progress. The key is to be productive and not just busy. I also spend a lot of time with family. Watching my daughter smile and laugh are the highlights of my day.
Where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere! I’m always looking, whether it be online or off.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grow up?
A cartoonist. I grew up on a steady diet of Saturday morning cartoons and I always wanted to be a part of that world. I still watch a ton of cartoons, whether it be American animation or Japanese anime.
What are you reading at the moment?
I’m currently reading a lot of graphic novels (yes, I am a full blown nerd). My favorites include anything that is by Jonathan Hickman, Mark Millar, Robert Kirkman, Bill Willingham and Brian K. Vaughan.
What’s your favorite post-work destination?
When I was living in Hong Kong, I used to treat myself to a long massage session at a spot called “Happy Bucket” in Causeway Bay (not of the happy ending variety). Traveling to Japan, particularly Fukuoka, was a hot spot for me as well. I have a lot of tattoo artist buddies out there, so I’d wind down by getting inked.
What’s the best thing about living and working in Hawaii?
It’s definitely the sense of community. It sounds cliche, but nothing beats the “Aloha” spirit.
