Alternative Art in the West

jRODaRT Breaks Bozeman’s Boundaries

By Lucia Stewart, 3-10-07

	"Cosmic Harvesty" by jRod.

Painting alternative art with colorful, quirky characters in a Western town may not seem easy. But local Bozeman artist jROD proves otherwise.

“This community is looking for alternative art, not just cowboy and western themes,” he said. “It’s filling a niche, particularly with the younger population.”

JRODaRT is enticing, taking the imagination on an excursion. His style is entertaining while refreshing the viewer’s mental picture of a mundane world we often perceive ourselves in.

In only his second year as a full-time artist, Jarrod Eastman is currently prepping for shows spanning from Los Angeles and Boston to Atlanta and Arizona. But he continues to encourage Bozeman’s culture and arts by showcasing his work at the Bozeman High School’s DeWeese Gallery and donating art to local non-profit organizations.

jROD began selling his art in Bozeman as the local farmer’s markets and art fairs, such as Sweet Pea Festival. And of course, on eBay, “one of the best places to get your work in front of thousands of people,” said jROD.

Tattoo art, psychedelic posters and much of the alternative skate/art scene from the 70’s and 80’s influenced his style, including the magazines Juxtapoz and the defunct Art Alternatives.

His style changed from a “don’t care and slightly aggressive style” to “working with how I want people to feel because of my art.”

“I want to intrigue people,” said 35-year-old jROD. “ And to create something that stimulates the imagination.”

Jarrod Eastman started out as a zoologist at Northern Arizona University. In 1997, Jared and his wife, Pyper, took a five-month road trip in an RV to eight towns before deciding Bozeman was their place to reside.

They considered becoming organic tomato farmers during a business plan class offered by the Bozeman Chamber of Commerce, of which they received financial support and recognition for the business plan.

But then jROD decided to delve full-time into an artistic career.

“Life takes you in wild twists sometimes,” he said.

He works more now than ever before, often 9a.m. to midnight. “The creative juices drive you nuts,” he says. And yes, of course, painters block is part of the deal.

Before this switch, art was always part-time hobby, painting at odd hours between waiting tables. He never considered it a way to make a living, even though his mom made her livelihood from faux painting.

But it’s becoming easier for him everyday. “Everything you do leads up to what you do now,” said jROD.

His latest show, “Sketchbook and Collaborations with an Outlaw” included 26 pieces and a first-time showing of his sculptures at the DeWeese Gallery, located inside the Bozeman High School.

In response to his art, adults often smile. Kids stand there and laugh. And rarely does any passer-by walk away without a gleeful smile in their eyes.

“People often tell me ‘I like your sense of humor,’” said jROD. “The funny thing is I don’t purposefully try to put humor into my paintings.”

jROD works mainly with acrylic on canvas because “its more forgiving.” But he occasionally will display watercolors or a series of sketches.

He felt the reason for his success at art shows was his approach. “I don’t go into shows to sell, but to show my work,” he said. “Those little lessons have brought me a long way.”

His biggest lessons learned as an artist:
1. Use more paint on the canvas
2. You can always paint over it
3. There is no right or wrong way to use a brush

In October, he will be a part of “Legends of Style,” a showcase of urban, contemporary, and pop art, DJ’s, breakdancing and fashion, touring Chicago, LA and Miami.

jROD continues to make his home in Bozeman, fueled by the community, his imagination and his motto: “Art applies to everything we do in life. If we can’t image it, it will never be.”

For more information, go to: jRODaRT.com or his photo gallery.

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