oliverjeffers

[oliverjeffers]

I made this piece over the weekend knowing it wouldn't be long before it was relevant to post. The gun control debate isn't really about gun control anymore. It's about identity. Those who identify as gun owners feel their identity is threatened when the issue of gun control is raised- that we shouldn't discuss policy change when emotions are high. But if the barrel from one shooting has barely cooled before there is another, this 'unemotional' window does not exist. So how do we change the question? Any gun owners out there willing to concede the culture of mass shootings in this country is pretty fucked up (doesn’t happen anywhere else), concede that a conversation is needed, and give clues how to go about it where it doesn't feel your identity is being hijacked? It feels like sensible debate based on the societal impact of gun control ended the day of Sandy Hook- when Congress decided that shooting a bunch of little kids was preferable to questioning the right to bear arms. Yes, a huge part of the problem is the NRA buying off Senators. But do the NRA really make so much money from current gun laws that they are not prepared to give an inch? Or is it that their identity feels threatened? There is one thing Senators love more than accepting lobbyists money and that is getting re-elected, so if the will of the people demands it, they will jump in line. But how do these atrocities go from outraging only half or two thirds of the country, to outraging the entire nation? There MUST BE a more rational / creative way to go about the non-existent conversation on gun control where vast swathes of the population of the USA don't feel (pun intended) under attack. Sincerely interested in hearing from gun owners on this. This is the 18th mass shooting this year and we are only halfway through feb. On average there is more than one per day in the US. Is this really just the way things will be? Is it really just roll the dice and send your kids to school? My kids will go to school before long. I can only imagine the special hell that begins on a day like yesterday for all those Floridian parents, and so many parents before them in the last three decades....

[oliverjeffers]

Excited to launch this brand new art poster staring all of your favorite crayons 🖍 to see more follow @oliverjeffersstuff - an account we've started to post behind the scenes content and exclusive promotions for everything #OJStuff.

[oliverjeffers]

Ah yes, I see...

[oliverjeffers]

I am delighted to announce that I HAVE A NEW BOOK COMING OUT THIS NOVEMBER! It's been over a year and a half in the making and is based on the things I began saying to our newborn son the moment we took him home from the hospital as I gave him a quick tour of our apartment. It started off as a book about the realization that new life is a blank slate (trying to explain what a door is, and what a kitchen is for), and the strangeness of being a new parent. But as the book unfolded, so did the global events of the last year or so, and it felt like it became more urgent to reinforce some basic things my parents taught me about the simple principles of humanity. I wanted my son to know that while we are all unique individuals, we are all in this together. #HereWeAre #NotesForLivingOnPlanetEarth

[oliverjeffers]

Love it when you look in a drawer you haven't opened in a while and discover an old drawing you completely forgot existed.

[oliverjeffers]

color testing in the sketchbook. #boat

[oliverjeffers]

color testing in the sketchbook. #boat

[oliverjeffers]

Before My Time Oil on canvas 2011 based on a photograph I found of a man, cropped at the head, holding a child's hand. The photo was creased over the kid, and all the details of were lost. In my painting, I replaced the unknown boy with a portrait of myself, based on a photograph of taken of me at age 5. The rough idea was that today was created by the hands of people yesterday, including the hands of the man in this found image. From his point of view, I am in the future, and yet I am still looking for it (with my flashlight).

[oliverjeffers]

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We are sending out a fresh batch of 💌 to congress to celebrate the new @nytimes article featuring @loveletteramerica 📮- congratulations @erinallweiss! 🥂 (link in bio)

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Discovered this old flipbook while cleaning the studio today. Made with @studioaka during the character development of the boy for #lostandfound.

[oliverjeffers]

They come and go... #dippedpaintings #dippedphotographs

[oliverjeffers]

@samwinston_ and I are thrilled to be launching a very special, limited edition, letterpress art print celebrating #AChildOfBooks. We hope it is enjoyed by fellow book lovers around the world. 📚 For more info and photos check the link in bio.

[oliverjeffers]

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On World Book Day, let's all remember imagination is free. Keep reading everyone. #worldbookday #achildofbooks

[oliverjeffers]

Despite all our differences, you're still alright! Today, on #ValentinesDay, I'm helping launch @loveletteramerica where a series of postcards from a growing list of artists can be downloaded. You'll be able to print out your favorite and write to your representative (or US embassy if you are overseas) reminding them what you love about the USA and the values these representatives should uphold. #loveletteramerica 💌

[oliverjeffers]

I am delighted to announce that I will be launching my very first line of apparel, collectibles and wares into the world in one week. For the past six months, I have been collaborating with a small network of friends to craft objects that extend the story book world of #OnceUponAnAlphabet in to the homes and arms of people across the world. We have worked to make products that are covetable - not disposable- with a commitment towards ethical manufacturing. We have had fun making these things. We can't wait for you to enjoy them. To my friends in Paris, join me for the opening December 5th 6-8pm @colette. #OJStuff #colette #verrecchiaandpartners

[oliverjeffers]

New Dip Print being released in one week. More info soon... #dippedpaintings #dippedprints

[oliverjeffers]

It's important to remember.. NOTHING IS FOREVER CONSTANT Oil on canvas, 2012 This is painted from an old black and white photograph my friend @digbyandiona found of a cockfight in Thailand. I felt immediately compelled to paint it but make the birds full colour, as for a fleeting second, they are the most alive thing in the scene. When backed into a corner, it is animal instinct to fight for survival. Perhaps this is what we have just witnessed. Perhaps this is what is again needed now.