Creative: The Cup, Frank Jackson (and more…)

Permalink 6 Comments

You never just get a book from Frank.

I love Frank Jackson. He always seems so damn calm. He’s a coal burner. Everyone thinks they need rocket fuel to be great, but you don’t. Coal, in many ways, is better. Lower temps and LOTS of low-end power. You might think, “Dan, coal doesn’t burn clean.” Okay, let’s say CLEAN coal but more importantly, the only thing Frank leaves behind is creative work. Think a Tesla tailpipe. Believe me, Frank works.

Frank and I rarely see one another, but we try to catch up via tele from time to time. He lives in Los Angeles which might as well be Berlin. That gap from The OC to LA is formidable. But recently, a package arrived.

Frank has been traveling with the same espresso cup for YEARS, photographing this baby in locations near and far, building a slow burning essay that dates back longer than I can remember. You might think this odd, and maybe it is, but it is also a story that intrigues people. That’s the point right?

Frank also does illustration. I noticed this reality several years back while doing an interview with Frank. “Hey, what’s that,” I asked. “Oh, you don’t know about that,” he grinned. I love this work. Really love it. Maybe because I can’t do it, but probably more because I think it suits his being and is a nice companion to the photographic work. And it PRINTS well.

Frank writes well, draws well and shoots things that most of us would walk right by. There is a lot to learn here. Have a look. This is about diligence, listening to your own drummer and enjoying the process that got you where you needed to be.

Espresso reportage.

Comments 6

  1. Reply

    I love cup photography. Cups are so part of our lives that we don’t see them anymore but yet a single picture of one can bring back memories or emotions long forgotten. Or even moments we consciously missed but stuck in there. The Double Shot book looks like an awesome piece of work!

    1. Post
      Author
  2. Reply

    What a great idea! We are all attached to objects in our lives. They give us connections to moments we hold dear. For me it is my Swiss Army Watch.

  3. Reply
  4. Reply

    Frank’s work is brilliant!!! My saying so has nothing to do with the fact that he is my brother. His work speaks for itself. Keep it coming, Bro! 💓💓💓

    1. Post
      Author

      Frank has a brother? There is more of him out there? I probably knew that but I’m old now so it comes and goes. Glad you like the feature.

Leave a comment