Some people are extraordinarily unique and change the game completely. Greg Escalante was a bona fide maverick and trailblazer, carving out a space where so many of us could feel at home. Juxtapoz Magazine, the publication Greg co-founded, is still a leading work in the alternative and underground art space. Greg's legacy is about far more than the magazine; it is about the community he built and the lives he touched. Not only did he provide unconditional support to so many artists early in their careers, but he quite literally changed so many people's lives. In this incredibly special episode, filmmaker, Hans Fjellestad, Greg's gallery director, Wendy Sherman, and PR powerhouse, Heidi Johnson join Sourdough to reflect on Greg's life. During the show, you will hear tributes from many of the artists who were impacted by Greg, including Robert Williams, Shag, Shepard Fairy, Elizabeth McGrath, and Chaz Bojórquez, to name just a few. Heidi and Wendy also share some of their fondest memories of Greg, like his love of ice cream, their travels, and what a day spent with him would look like. Tuning in, you will understand the profound impact that Greg Escalante had not only on the art world but on the many weird and wonderful people in it!
Key Points From This Episode:
The first time Sourdough heard about Greg and was introduced to Juxtapoz in 1995.
Hans's experience of being in Southern California in the center of the community Greg was building.
Heidi's experience of working with Greg and how they helped one another's careers.
Hear artists like Robert Williams and Scott Hess share stories about their dear friend, Greg.
Merry Karnowsky, Ben Goretsky, Shag, Shepard Fairy, and Shana Nys Dambrot honor Greg.
How Greg changed Elizabeth McGrath's life and career forever.
What a day spend with Greg in Chinatown would look like.
Heidi shares a story of a dinner she and Greg went to when he had a rare drink.
Reflecting on some of Greg's wild birthday celebrations.
How Greg approached studio visits with his characteristic generosity and openness.
More artists, including Marnie Weber, Natalia Faber, Timothy Robert Smith share what Greg meant to them.
Greg had a unique way of making people feel truly seen.
The timeline of starting Juxtapoz; it all happened very quickly after he met Robert.
What Juxtapoz means to the art world and artists who ordinarily would have been ignored.
The story of how Robert and Greg connected and met.
Chaz Bojórquez shares the story of his and Greg's friendship.
Some other artists tell stories of their memories with Greg.
Greg's experience of seeing Robert's work on the cover of Thrasher.
Greg's relationships with gallerists were as special and unique as his ones with artists.
Insights into Greg's generosity with his art collection and his penchant for giving art away.
Reflecting on the fun that Greg brought to the often serious art world.
Greg's varied music taste and his love for all genres.
Hear about Greg's spiritual life and what he might have thought about The Vatican.
The story of how Wendy met Greg after being interested in lowbrow art for many years.
Doug Harvey, LC, and more pay tribute to Greg.
Heidi's trip with Greg to Mexico and his other travels over the years.
Greg did not just change the art scene; he changed people's lives.
More friends and artists share their tributes to Greg to end the show.
