When the tattoo, graffiti, and fine art communities pull together, there is nothing quite like it. Big Sleeps is a true pioneer whose distinct style shaped custom lettering, Chicano culture, and the global tattoo industry. Through his art, instructional books, custom scripts, and endless support for fellow artists, he has laid down a blueprint for generations of creators. Last night at Rodeo 72 Public Market in Whittier, California, that collective spirit was out in full force for a $300 Max Charity Art Show in his honor as he continues his recovery from a stroke.
Seeing the turnout and the sheer volume of talent involved was incredible. The Sullen Art Collective helped rally the family to put this event together, and artists answered in a big way. Creators from all over selflessly donated original, high-caliber works that easily command far higher price points, capping them at $300 so that every single dollar could go directly toward helping Sleeps and his wife, Monica, manage heavy medical costs. Alongside those capped pieces, heavy hitters contributed fine art originals and exclusive prints, turning the venue into a world-class gallery for a vital cause.
Big Sleeps has given so much to this community over the years, and seeing everyone turn around and pour that exact same energy right back into supporting him shows what this culture is really about when the chips are down.
To catch the photo galleries, recap clips, and footage from the show, keep an eye on the official channels:
- Sullen Art Collective: @sullenclothing
- Big Sleeps: @bigsleeps
- Letters To Live By: @letterstoliveby
Much respect to Sullen, Rodeo 72, and every single artist and collector who stepped up to make the night what it was.
Check out my painting and a little more info on it in my Art Gallery >>
Also Sullen Art Collective did an awesome surprise write up on me a while back, The Article and what it means to me >>