James Goldcrown took a somewhat circuitous path to the art world. Beginning his career in fashion photography early, ducking out to produce an important HIV/AIDS documentary, and returning to the studio scene in 2007. In the meantime, he had found a new avenue of creative expression in street art during the ‘90s — and it wasn’t long before it all merged together. Goldcrown has since gone on to show at fairs and galleries around the world, and pursue a robust brand-collaboration career and a prolific mural practice, all based on his signature Bleeding Hearts motif. We caught up with him on his way home from Art Basel Miami — and on his way to show at this January’s 4xFAR Festival in Coachella.

L.A. WEEKLY: When did you first know you were an artist?

JAMES GOLDCROWN: I don’t think I ever knew. It’s something I’ve always done. I don’t really remember not being one.

What is your short answer to people who ask what your work is about?

Love and loss.

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James Goldcrown

What would you be doing if you weren’t an artist?

I’d like to think a chef. I love cooking and food in general. It’s another passion.

Did you go to art school? 

Not really, I tried but didn’t like it. School wasn’t for me. I left when I was 16.

Why do you live and work in L.A., and not elsewhere?

I live in L.A. because my wife is a lawyer and she studied the Californian Bar. We also have a son so it’s where we’re based for those reasons. I travel a lot and with my work I have the luck of being able to live anywhere. I feel like I live in L.A., NYC and London.

When was your first show?

I think I was 19 or 18 so like, 1998. I’m old.

When is/was your current/most recent/next show?

Just gone, Miami Art Basel 2019.

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James Goldcrown, Love

What artist living or dead would you most like to show with?

Hmmmm, Edward Hopper comes to mind and I don’t know why. His work is calming to me.

Do you listen to music while you work? If so what? 

I do. I listen to Pandora on shuffle, basically most types of music — apart from techno and death metal.

Website and social media, please!

Web: jgoldcrown.com

Insta: @jgoldcrown

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James Goldcrown, Mounted Neon Hearts

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