Nickname(s): Dude, or Don
Hometown: Saratoga Springs, New York
Favorite drink: Hi-Fi Hops w/ tequila
Best piece of advice you've received: Go fuck myself.
What's your best feature: My hunchback.
Strangest thing in your fridge right now: My fridge is completely empty and has been for years.
The last spam email you received: Jerry's Artarama.

 

You were born in New York but went to school and now live in San Francisco, which coast has your allegiance? 
"It ain't where you're from, it's where you're at" -Rakim

When did you first realize you were pretty good at this thing called drawing? 
It was the only thing I was good at in school other than making kids laugh.

What's the secret to amazing line work? Your pieces are way too clean.
I studied the master line works of Mike Giant and Todd Francis in the late 90's.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen your work? 
Cute vs. creepy. The tension and energy created by art that you want to both hug, and run away from.

You've worked with Nike, Aesop Rock, the list goes on, what have been some of your favorite projects? 
The ones I have yet to explore. The next one!

How has social media affected your career?  
Yes. I have wasted an enormous amount of time staring at it when I should have been drawing.

You've bartered for studio space, food and other things for creating art often moving to a smaller space because you've had less money. What is it about the exchange of money for your art you find unappealing? 
It is the relationship you can build with your community that far outweighs taking a check from your neighbor. I don't just barter anywhere, Im pretty exclusive. It can change your quality of life, and your interaction with where you live in a way that you could never pay for.

 

 

Did your brush with death in 2014 change your direction as an artist?
Yes. At that time it really hit me that we can all die at any moment. Since then I try to make less art that gets painted over and destroyed. Try to use my time wisely I guess. Try to make work that will live on after me. Good question. 

What's left for Jeremy Fish to accomplish in his career? 
Mayor of San Francisco. *Get rich and buy an old victorian mansion in the greatest city on earth.

Any major influences or mentors who helped guide you in the journey?
Bill Murray. Pee Wee Herman. Mr T. Neil Blender. Emperor Norton. Burt Reynolds. Nas. Billy Joel. Oscar the Grouch.

What advice do you have for aspiring artists? 
Never listen to advice from middle aged art dudes.

Shameless Plug: Any events or podcasts coming up where people can find you?
I have an exhibition called "Living In The Past" opening either online, or by reservation or both at The Haight Street Art Center on 4/17/21. The artwork is from the Haight Ashbury artist in residency project I did last year with Grants For The Arts and SF Heritage.

Instagram handle: @mrjeremyfish