Philadelphia based artist John Freeborn sat down to talk to Uwishunu about himself and Big Kids / Little Kids, his book that features a collection of profiles from artists around the Philadelphia region and beyond. As a co-found of Space 1026, Freeborn’s done a lot of the local artist community, and with the publication of his book and subsequent book tour, seeks to introduce Philly’s artistic scene to a broader audience.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work.

My bio reads like this: co-founder of SPACE1026 in Philadelphia, creator of Milkcrate Digest zine, designer, teacher, artist, skateboarder, founder of the AFBL, and nerd/video game player.

2. Why did you create Big Kids Little Kids?

Big Kids/Little Kids was created to tell our story in Philadelphia, from our perspective. I saw other people writing about SPACE1026, or some of the more well know artists, but no one was interested in what was really happening, and what the effect was on Philadelphia and beyond. Big Kids/Little Kids is my attempt at capturing some of that energy.

John’s milkcrate art at ICA

3. What do you think Big Kids Little Kids says about the Philly arts community?

The Philadelphia art scene is a group of self-starters. People who aren’t in New York or LA, or wherever artists are supposed to be. People who want to make, and not be bogged down with too much extraneous stuff. You can live for very little in Philly, that’s a big bonus for artists.

4. Where can people find your art work in Philly?

My work pops up in relation to SPACE1026. I curate shows around the city as well. 222gallery and Painted Bride have hosted shows of mine, and in the Summer I’ll be putting a show together for Mew Gallery in Bella Vista.

Next stop on the Big Kids Little Kids traveling art show is Cinders Gallery in Brooklyn March 28-April 27.

John Freeborn
www.johnfreeborn.com

Big Kids Little Kids
www.bigkidslittlekids.com