Taking The 'Scooter' Out Of J. Scooter Harris

Jeff often goes by the name of "Scooter" ~ be it Scooter "Jeff" Harris, J. Scooter Harris or just Scooter ~ this may do well in the comic art world of Supernatural Law and Approbation Comics, but I just can't call a grown man who paints naked boobies "Scooter."

So for my sanity, I address him as Jeff. You, dear reader, may call him what you wish...

Gracie: Jeff, Satan's Angel is the one who told us about you, but the reason we contacted you about creating art for Sex Kitten was your sexy style. Once we started talking, you showed us great versatility in your styles and abilities. Some of of your art is shown here, but how do you categorize or best describe your style?

Jeff: I've heard a lot of different descriptions of my art from comic to pinup. Even burlesque. Each of which are compliments in their own way. However, I feel that those people have been focusing on one or their favorite piece without seeing all the work strung together or realizing that I'm simply using the right medium for the right piece.

Gracie: What mediums do you work in?

Jeff: Oil on canvas. Watercolor. Pen and ink. Computer. Photography. Been a while, since I did any video or film... I'd like to do more of that again. It depends on the piece on what medium to use to best convey what I want to say artistically.

Gracie: Hey, I didn't know you did photography!

Jeff: Sure I do. Here's a photo of mine. This is Amanda Newsum, a 1940's style pinup model. She'll be appearing in some future paintings of mine, and we're also doing more photoshoots soon.

Gracie: OK, I look forward to more of that! But back to the interview. You said "It depends on the piece on what medium to use to best convey what I want to say artistically." What do you think is unique about art? Do you think art allows you to say or communicate things better than with words?

Jeff: To the first question: Cliche as it sounds, everything. As for the second question, yes and no. It's up to the viewer to receive the message my art gives. Sometimes, it takes years for the viewer to get the message. Sometimes, the viewer doesn't get the message at all. And some cases, there is no message at all.

Gracie: Who do you think likes your art more, men or women?

Jeff: I don't really think about the audience at all. I think about the art first. If the art is done right, the audience does come. I do hope that whoever looks at my work is at least enjoying it.

Gracie: What is your favorite piece/project? Why?

Jeff: Right now, that has to be my TRUE CRIME THEATER project. Over the years that I've worked on it, I've found the project adaptable with time. Largely because it has a timeless feel, and parts of it can be quite topical too. Doing this project has led me to do art shows and take on equally challenging projects like the art in Jude Mason's Dance of Submission and Tracy Henry's Suburban Diva. I'm also working with a 1940's -style pinup model named Amanda Newsum. As well as photographing a local rockabilly supergroup called the Toomstoners.

Gracie: When and how did you begin your life as an artist? How long have you been making art?

Click to See Larger Size True Crime Theater Project

Jeff: Ever since I was a kid. First I used to cut up the comic books into paper dolls and create stories from the existing characters. Then I started to draw. I started off mimicking as best a tike could the cartoons I'd watch and the comics I'd read. A lot of Snoopy, Dick Tracy, and Batman. Especially Batman. Used to try to draw Batman like the way Dick Sprang used to draw him. When I started to draw more, I cut up the books a lot less."

Gracie: I hear you're still quite the comic book collector...

Jeff: Yes. Mostly my collection reflects my interests and creative influences. It serves to remind me of the main reason I wanted to be an artist in the first place. At 14 I became a published cartoonist and so the collection took me all over the country and yet keep me sane at the same time. The collection also provides reference of what to do and what not to do. And it helped me get in touch with many of the creative people behind the books, which helped further myself as an artist.

Gracie: Did you have any formal art training?

Jeff: I had no real formal training, til '94. I went back to school to seek a better life then, despite having been published cartoonist since I was 14, I couldn't get any real steady work. Still not too sure I've found that yet with an associate's degree in fine art and a bachelor's in design and illustration.

Gracie: I notice you refer to yourself at 14 not as a professional artist, but as a cartoonist... When did you call yourself an artist?

Jeff: I've only called myself an artist to satisfy some confused people on the finer points of pursuing art. What I am really is a terminal art student, who is constantly evolving and staying true to myself at the same time. There's already too many "fad kings" too willing to follow the trends for a buck. Not that I'm opposed to making money. I just prefer to make money with as little compromise as possible, and that's not an easy tightrope act.

Gracie: It's also not easy when one of your paintings is stolen... tell us about that.

Jeff: Yes, this TRUE CRIME THEATER painting renamed "Stolen Protection" for now, was stolen.

This piece is oil on canvas and about 20x24 inches. I found it first missing at the Bikini Lounge on April 1. Thought it was an April Fools prank, but soon realized that it wasn't. The owners were upset. I was furious. So flyers were sent out to the local art scene. Artlink, who sponsors the First Friday Artwalk, is including a blurb in their newsletter. It was done in late 2005 and features one of my closest friends in it. If anybody knows anything about it, they need to contact me at dcolt73@aol.com. I'm just interested in the safe return of it.

Gracie: I sure hope someone contacts you with good news about the piece. Speaking of "good news", you have some good things going on right now. Tell us about them.

Jeff: My latest TCT show is at the Counter Culture Cafe, 2330 E. McDowell Rd in Phoenix AZ. It started on April 7, and runs until the first week of May, 2006. It features paintings and comic page art (prints and original). And by my request, I'm having local rockabilly supergroup the Toomstoners perform on the 21st.

Gracie: Jeff, how do you define success for you the artist? And for the you the person?

Jeff: Ask me the first question in 50 years. Ask me the second in 20.

Gracie: My! I hope we won't need to wait that long! Ah, but by then, maybe, I'll be able to call you Scooter without giggling *wink*