Rubin Recommends

(Part of The Weekly Check In series)

When I first moved to San Francisco my friend Mike Perry and Anna Wolf were on a little road trip and these two people from a far off land (London, England) were with them (picture.) Well now those two people are wonderful new friends who I keep in touch with, one being Jim Stoten (and Brie his girlfriend.)

Jim makes art you should look and for a long time or you might miss something. When I look at them I can’t believe how much is going on, and usually, how weird it is. I think it’s wonderful.

Check out Jim’s work here: http://www.jimtheillustrator.co.uk

RR: What are you currently working on or just finished that you’re excited about?

Stoten: I am writing Christmas cards. I just finished a lot of fun stuff. I did some drawings for a children’s library which got made up as wallpaper as pasted onto 7 giant pillars.

I did a map not so long ago for the Tate Britain which I really hope gets printed. but the mighty crunch might force that one into oblivion. I hope not though.

I just finished a zine with my friend tom. and i now i am thinking about a poster zine that folds out as well as how to tackle the next issue of a collective zine that islands fold publish called ‘BOING’. I am in charge of this issue so there is a lot to think about.

RR: Where have you traveled so far this month?

Stoten: I havent travelled much this month at all. went to brighton a couple of weeks back to do a talk. going to st.albans tomorrow to teach.

RR: What’s your favorite music right now?

Stoten: Animal Collective, Fela Kuti and The Stranglers.

RR: Best food you’ve had in your neighborhood lately or while you were traveling?

Stoten: Just ate some amazing pasta. Emmanthal and mushroom filled tortellini with watercress and spinach salad. Our neighbor made us some beautiful orange and cranberry Christmas loaf. Out of this world. Mince pies are becoming a big part of my life. Eggs and toast every morning, cant beat it. with some delicious strong coffee.

RR: Anything Else You Want To Mention?

I love my girlfriend very much.
I am looking forward to christmas.
I am aching on my left shoulder.
I am hungry but i cant eat yet because i am about to go play squash.
I miss my friends in america.
I want to find more time next year to make songs.
I should see my family more.
I am looking forward to next year for lots of different reasons.
I don’t care as much about money as I used to and it has made me a much happier person.