Artist Spotlight: Jeremy Biggers
From drawing to painting to graphic design to photography to videography, Jeremy Biggers has been involved with image making his entire life. He attended Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts where he primarily focused on expression through graphite and charcoal drawing. During his college years, he cultivated his love for painting and photography, and they've since cemented themselves into his everyday life. As with most artists, his work is shaped by experiences that inform his view of the world. His goal with each piece is to inspire conversation. His work mixes realism with a design aesthetic.
(Photo Credit: Elizabeth Lavin for DMagazine)
“I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember,” Biggers said. “Where I grew up no one knew of any artists, and didn’t think art was a viable career path.”
When explaining how others viewed his creativity at a young age, Biggers compared himself to a magician. As he was simply able to do & create things those around him had never seen.
“I think their fascination with my early abilities is what pushed me to ultimately get me to where I am today,” Biggers stated.
Jeremy’s artwork may be familiar to some, as the lip design is one of his most prominent pieces of work and one of the main focal points of his pieces at Sweet Tooth Hotel. During the chapter one install, Biggers work was a mural tribute to hard candy.
(Photo Credit: Jonathan Zizzo)
For the chapter two installation,1955, Biggers gave an ode to 50’s pop art with the repetition of his iconic lip design. His room titled "Blow" featured a handmade resin and MDF LED neon sign, a hand painted mural and a wall of custom made pinwheels with a sign challenging the viewer to blow them.
(Photo Credit: Timothy Alsbrooks) “My pieces for the chapter two iteration of Sweet Tooth absolutely pushed me out of my comfort zone,” Biggers said.
Exploring new materials and processes for this installation, Biggers tested his realism capabilities that he’s known for without relying heavily on his painting abilities. He explored the more illustrative style of his graphic design work.
(Photo Credit: Timothy Alsbrooks)
Biggers has enjoyed his experience thus far in collaborating with Sweet Tooth Hotel and working alongside founders Cole & Jencey Keeton.
“I had a great time working with them on the first installment,” Biggers said. “I knew I wanted to be involved going forward because I believed then, and still believe now, Sweet Tooth Hotel is something special.”
Outside of Sweet Tooth Hotel, Biggers has had collaborations with Nike, Adidas, McDonalds, and even the Dallas Cowboys.
(Photo Credit: Jeremy Biggers)
“Collaborations usually come about from me reaching out or someone reaching out to me with a need, and me figuring out if it’s a good fit, Biggers said.”
Aside from those collaborations, Biggers has a murals around the city that you may recognize as some of his most well known pieces!
“I have a couple at Serious Pizza in Deep Ellum,” Biggers expresses. “I also have a Selena mural in Oak Cliff near top ten records.”
(Photo Credit: Central Track)As an artist, there are many things that one has to overcome. Biggers expresses the importance of believing in yourself & not cowering to the influence of others.
“I think the toughest part of being an artist is having the confidence to stand by what you do, even when other people can't quite see the vision,” Biggers said. “It’s having the conviction to stand by your choices and not folding when someone pushes back on those decisions.”
For those trying to progress their artistic vision and career, Biggers advice is:
1. Do the Work.
2. Remember there are no shortcuts.
Those two things are what has helped him gain exposure and is contributing to the name that he’s making for himself.
You can view more of Jeremy’s work and purchase his pieces at jeremybiggers.com or follow him at @stemandthorn.
You can also support him via Patreon.