Jennifer Crawford is probably one of the most well-known artists in the social media world today, as she is constantly creating portraits of famous punk and rock artists and she has seriously blown me away based on the things she has done with torn paper and crayon as one set of mediums she uses. With only these items to create, she makes masterpieces which have caused the social media world, Facebook being one, to make her a household name in only a short amount of time. She is seriously the most amazing do-it-yourselfer I ever encountered and I have to say her art does speak as passionately as he does! With musicians being her inspiration, she has managed to make an impact on the world so illuminous, that even the stars look dim! Here she is! Jennifer Crawford!
PUNK GLOBE: Jennifer, dear! You are on fire! And for good reason! Your portraits are getting people talking! What possessed you to create portraits of peoples' favorite musicians?
Jennifer Crawford: Three years ago I bought a graffiti desk to calender! I love graffiti so much! I thought I'd make some pictures with it! My son looked at them and said someone would buy them! I knew that would be copyright as I had used the pictures of someone else's work! So I thought! I want to be an artist! I will just have to create my own work!
PUNK GLOBE: Who inspired you to create the art that you do? In other words, is there someone who taught you to do this?
Jennifer Crawford: About twenty years ago I used to make things and loved messing with paint effects! I could never find a picture that I wanted for my walls so I decided to make something that I liked! I'd never been to art school but I was a chancer and would always mess about with effects always knowing that I could fix it if i messed it up! I made collages of lions and tigers as I loved tribal art and animals! I always felt at home using paper as I loved the effect that it gave! I only made pictures when I needed them until twenty years later I decided to be an artist and instead of animals I would make my favorite musicians! So I have sat every night for three years producing pictures! I was just so determined to make them and I thought well if I don't sell them I will just keep them! It never bothered me as I knew deep down I would sell them one day!
PUNK GLOBE: Some of my favorites are Joey Ramone and Amy Winehouse that you have created. These are very life-like to me. What drove you to do these two pieces?
Jennifer Crawford: I am a big fan of punk and grunge music! My brother was a punk! I prefer to make pictures of interesting cool people with a unique appearance! I can always produce a better picture when I am a fan of the subject!
PUNK GLOBE: Have you ever been contacted by the people themselves you have drawn? If so, who are they and what are some of the best things they have said to you?
Jennifer Crawford: A friend of mine gave a portrait I had made of Bev Bevan to him and he sent me a signed autograph saying thank you! So far that's the only famous person!
PUNK GLOBE: Where are you from, originally?
Jennifer Crawford: I was born in Glasgow Scotland!
PUNK GLOBE: Did you ever expect that you would have this kind of success with your art work?
Jennifer Crawford: I always believed in myself! I knew there would be people out there who loved it as much as I did!
PUNK GLOBE: Do you find some portraits more challenging than others? Definitely! It's hard to capture a look!
Jennifer Crawford: It uses up a lot mental energy! It really depends so much on my mood at the time!
PUNK GLOBE: What kind of impact does your art have on the emotions of others that you have seen it do?
Jennifer Crawford: I have only ever had one negative comment! Everybody that gets in touch with me who sees it tells me how much they love it!
PUNK GLOBE: Is there a particular age group that comes to you on social media, or in real life, that tell you how your art makes them feel? If so, what's that like?
Jennifer Crawford: I get all ages messaging me! It feels lovely to know that so many people live what I do and are so complimentary of my work! I always reply to all of my messages because I feel if someone takes the time to comment then it's polite to reply!
PUNK GLOBE: What are some other subjects that you create in your art?
Jennifer Crawford: I have made children! And I love making animals! Especially the big cats! I also love abstract!
PUNK GLOBE: Are musicians' portraits your favorite subject? Why:
Jennifer Crawford: I love music and i write songs and play guitar! I love all things quirky and cool! And there's nothing more quirky than musicians! Lol
PUNK GLOBE: Have you done shows for your art work? If so, when were they featured?
Jennifer Crawford: I have had a small exhibition in Glasgow! I have also just returned from London where I was exhibiting my art at an event! I am Going back to London this July! I have an agent in London who also sells my work!
PUNK GLOBE: If you have any future art shows to exhibit your work, when and where are they?
Jennifer Crawford: I mostly sell my work online! I have an exhibition space booked for London in the Kingston library for a month in July!
PUNK GLOBE: Is there anything you want to say to the readers of Punk Globe?
<Jennifer Crawford: I would like to say thank you to anyone who takes the time to read my interview! Please feel free to friend me if you enjoy my art! I have a page but I think it's so business like I don't like it! I would rather have everyone as my friend as I feel more comfortable with that! Oh and! Punk rock rules!!!!
PUNK GLOBE: Jennifer, you are truly an amazing artist and I hope to see more of your work and see them in the States at a show in the near future! You are a shining star!
Jennifer Crawford: Thank you, Sophia ! Hopefully you will!
