Artists Jean Blackwell Font + Iggy Font
Introduction to Jean Blackwell Font + Iggy Font. 2:42 min. Interview: Raymond Elman + Robert Zuckerman. Video Editing & Production: Julio Mendez. Music: Julie Maxwell. Recorded via Zoom: 9/20/2020, Miami.
IGNACIO FONT and JEAN BLACKWELL FONT are an artist couple operating Warehouse 4726, a studio space in Miami, Florida.
Iggy received his MFA from SVA and has been an educator for more than 20 years. Currently the director of Events & Programs at the Arts & Business Council of Miami, Jean has worked in both nonprofit and for-profit organizations in Miami for more than 20 years.
Together as Font Squared, these community-minded, practicing artists bring a lifetime of combined experiences as creators, curators, arts administrators, marketers, and educators.
The videos below were recorded via Zoom, are organized by topic, and run between 90 seconds and 6 minutes. Click on any video. You must be connected to the Internet to view the videos.
INSIGHT & INSPIRATION: 3:05 min.
Do you remember when you began to feel that art was important in your life?
EXPOSURE TO BROAD INFLUENCES: 4:14 min.
Who are your role models and influencers?
SELF-CONFIDENCE: 1:40 min.
At the age of 16 there were a variety of directions you could have pursued. Was it a conscious choice to move toward a more sophisticated world, or merely serendipitous?
CREATES A UNIQUE PERSONAL BRAND: 2:35 min.
You grew up in Puerto Rico and moved to the United States at a young age. How did those experiences impact your art?
SERENDIPITY: 1:30 min.
Iggy, you speak English without an accent. Was that a conscious decision?
EMPATHY: 1:26 min.
Iggy, where in Puerto Rico did you live?
RESILIENCE: 2:48 min.
When you came to the United States, how did the culture change influence you?
EMPATHY: 1:32 min.
Your work is very universal, and the way you grew up sounds like a universal experience. So it’s notable that you didn’t force a Puerto Rican theme on your work.
COMMUNITY VALUES: 3:28 min.
Jean, please talk about your experience with ArtBurst?
CRITICAL THINKING: 1:34 min.
There is a long pattern of art communities blossoming, succumbing to greed, and being reborn in new locations. How can Miami break that cycle?
OVERCOMES CHALLENGES TO SUCCEED: 5:24 min.
Describe a challenging situation you’ve faced with a successful outcome.
CREATES A UNIQUE PERSONAL BRAND: 4:46 min.
Iggy, describe the evolution of your painting technique.
CREATES A UNIQUE PERSONAL BRAND: 3:51 min.
Jean, talk about how your work and technique evolved.
CRITICAL THINKING: 4:55 min.
Why is it important for all students to experience arts education?
UNDERSTANDS ARTISTS’ NEEDS: 3:31 min.
Do you have any words of wisdom for young people pursuing a career in the arts?
CREATES A UNIQUE PERSONAL BRAND: 4:11 min.
What new projects are you working on Jean?
INSIGHT & INSPIRATION: 3:02 min.
What’s on your drawing board Iggy?
