COSMIC CARICATURES celebrate diversity, create inclusion, and manifest community. As a mystically minded queer artist, the game is giving people the experience of being SEEN. Sometimes this only takes a few strokes of his chisel-tip pen. When guests see how quickly their energy and look can be reflected back to them, their self-esteem and psychological safety take a quantum leap. This, in turn, raises the vibration of the event. Between illustrations, Jonathan uses hand percussion from a clave and tambourine to shake out the energy and get folks spinning again. Some of his portraits incorporate meaningful symbols to the subject, such as pets, family names, and representations of their hopes and dreams. These manifestation boards or “soul scrolls” help people frame up what they want to cherish into existence in their futures and share it with their friends in a fun and kitschy way. Sometimes the work just memorializes the occasion- with images in the background depicting a scene from the party they are at. Kidder always starts by asking the zodiac sign, which often turns up in the upper right of the sketch. While not intended for in-depth spiritual work, this activation definitely breaks the ice, taking conversations between party guests to a deeper level of connection quickly. Connection is the real magic. During the event, portraits are displayed turning the space into a living, breathing art gallery. Guests grab their pieces at the end of the event. Now, occasionally guests ask if they can take a hand at sketching. The answer is always YES. A character designer, cartoonist and art teacher, Kidder loves creating classes and workshops for those wanting to explore figure drawing, cartooning and puppetry character work. It all starts with a sketch, and his past students are often emerging from the dance floor to say hello. Check out these “sketchy vibes” from Silverlake, CA’s “Hot Dog Sundays” and Hi Tops Bar in West Hollywood, CA.
FROM AN EVENT HOST
"Jonathan has made several parties (including my wedding for 350 artists in the woods) memorable, actually unforgettable with his brilliant, effortless, magical touch. Life is better with Jonathan." -Johanna Unger
Enjoy this gallery of Kidder’s more traditional caricature work - mostly done on the middle of the dance floor. While a more traditional caricature artist’s booth is a classy way to frame out an event space, Kidder loves the feeling of spontaneous joy that immersive creativity brings to the soul of a group. His “plate work” is a hit at large events where people are more willing to get down and arty if the medium is more informal. Best if they think there’s a rogue party guest spontaneously drawing every single person there. Those portraits can happen in a minute or less, and people love to gather around and count down. At all of his events, Kidder creates an area where the art can be displayed until guests are ready to nab them on the way out- usually snapping one last photo of the magical fun.
