Friday morning after labor day. Bongo Java on the Belmont campus. Political discussion abounds. Laptops click. Newspapers get scanned. Fresh faced students, ragged hipsters, aging boomers, aspiring divas, hustling entrepreneurs and indie rock scenesters all fueling up for the day ahead.
Right away I notice a new display of art by J. Goodwin brightens the shop. Coffee culture and local art is a good buzz. This art is bright and big with a certain primitive symbolism that lands somewhere between Warholian pop art and Howard Finster style folk art.
After looking over the new display I realize this must be art by the J. Goodwin I know. I've met John Goodwin and chatted with him several times over the last few years at area coffee shops in Nashville. John always cracks me up with his satirical view of Music Row and the songwriter's life in Nashville. John co-wrote some of the music to the film Crazy Heart and Jeff Bridges has recorded three of his songs. I knew John was also an artist but I didn't realize the scope of his talent until this morning. This clever, poignant art reflects the humor and social conscience of one of Nashville's unique talents.
To top it off he just walked in! I'll get him to stand by one of his pieces and take a photo for y'all.
If you live in the Nashville area or are passing through be sure to stop into Bongo Java for some great brew and check out Goodwin's art.
Have a great day fellow coffee, art and music lovers!