We recently stopped by the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington Innovation Studio + Store to chat with JD Deardourff, the current artist in residence at MoCA. Inspired by the bold and colorful graphics that have long been characteristic of comic books, JD specializes in creating screenprints, collages, and murals that create energy, movement, and inspiration. From collaborations with the MLB and Cava to murals and placemaking work like the “Wavves” mural right here in National Landing, his work highlights how vibrant patterns and color palettes can create powerful imagery. 

What inspired you to create the genre of art that you love and specialize in? 

Inspiration is kind of everywhere for me, but I also don't really always need to be inspired. However, I was really into comic books when I was a kid. But right now, during the MoCA residency, I'm working on abstract impressionist skyscape collages that are excavated and remixed from glossy aspirational lifestyle magazines and catalogs. With this body of work, I'm interested in the contradiction of how life can feel super beautiful and electric and also simultaneously apocalyptic. Apocalyptic optimist is my general world view.   

What feels special to you about creating placemaking art or art for specific neighborhoods and districts, like National Landing? 

I firmly believe in the power of public art to transform not only physical spaces but also the way people interact with and perceive their environment. I especially love taking something that's a bit of an eyesore or an unexpected spot and making it pop. Also, it can get a little lonely in the studio but when you're out in public, you get to mix it up and get real time feedback from people.

What are some of your favorite brand collaborations that you’ve worked on? 

One of my favorite brand collabs was also my first: I designed a snowboard for Burton when I was in college. I actually dusted that board off a couple of weeks ago at Wintergreen. Beer companies and restaurants are good, too. Basically, any brand that also gives me free food or swag is a favorite of mine. 

Where will you go after your MoCA residency concludes? 

Right after this residency, I have a big mural project for the headquarters of a luxury hotel chain and one smaller mural gig for a dive bar lined up. After that, I’m going on a surf trip to Nicaragua, and then I'm hoping to find a gallery or a type of exhibition space to have a show of this current body of work. 

What’s your favorite spot in National Landing? 

Besides the MoCA innovation studio that has awesome free events all the time, plus free art supplies and so many other cool things? This may not apply to everyone, but I have a 7-month-old daughter, and when my wife was on maternity leave, we would hit up the baby matinee at Alamo Drafthouse almost every Tuesday. Tacombi also has great tacos and margaritas, or you could wander over to Water Park across the street, grab something to eat, and check out the mural I did on the entrance to the Mount Vernon Trail!   

Stop by MoCA’s Innovation Studio + Store on Saturday, January 31 from 2-5PM for a conversation between JD and MoCA Arlington Curator & Residency Program Manager, Amanda Jirón-Murphy. To learn more about JD’s work and to see where he goes next, check out his website deardourff.com and his Instagram @jddeardourff.