Jason Flack

An interview with illustrator & Tri-Cities arts advocate, Jason Flack

Q: Tell us a bit about who you are, where you grow up, and your background as a muralist and visual storyteller.

A: I grew-up on both sides of the tracks but one thing that was constant was my love for art. I got some attention locally speaking out about highlighting talent in our area—since then, it’s been on ‘til the break of dawn. 

Q: How has Appalachia inspired your work and what is your favorite part about living here?

A: I grew up literally disappearing into and exploring the woods. I think it’s important to for children to know nature. I didn’t think of it back then, but I was hiking and trialing and studying. My favorite part of living here will always be the flora and especially the fauna. 

Q: What do you see as the most pivotal moment in your artistic journey that has shaped who you are as a creator today?

A: Two things. The exposure and love for comics and cartoons when I was a kid. The second thing, actually just happened in June 2023–becoming a TEDx speaker in my hometown.

Q: What is a “Jason Flack” piece to you?  What do you want others to glean when they view your work?

A: Great question. Hopefully, energy. And time well-spent. I’d like for others when looking at art to just feel me. Just a love of living and creating. 

Q: What do you hope to see grow in the Tri-Cities art culture in the next decade?

A: I don’t know what to expect in the next ten years, but people better recognize we artists are superheroes . By then, we will be living legends in local history books.  

Q: For your piece in FANFARE, you tribute Jean-Michel Basquiat; how has he impassioned you creatively? And what wisdom from him do you take with you as an artist?

A: When I was little, my family from Brooklyn brought down articles and art “zines”. There was this sort sad-faced man with freeform dreads standing in front of paintings that blew me away! That man was Basquiat. It wasn’t just his work, but his words and how honest and vulnerable he seemed to be. He once said, “I’ll cover-up a word (in his work) so that you can it.” To me that is so simple, but so deep.