Durban born Jimmy Wong is a colorful guy who comes with healthy doses of quirk, charm and humor. From being a prominent figure in the local skateboarding, to multitalented artist, his work is definitely an extension of his personality. Cutting his teeth at drawing for most of his life, Wong has recently ventured into tattooing, doing his apprenticeship under Tyler Murphy at Sins Of Style in Cape Town.
Describe teenage Wong to us?
Fuck, I’m getting old, almost forgot what it was like. I guess it was mostly me trapped in school struggling my fucking ass off not to fail. I did this all for my mom, finish school. I fucking hated school. Other then that hellish period of my life I pretty much got up to the usual kids shit growing up in Durban. Surfing, skating, hanging with the homies. Surfing is so much better there then here (Cape Town). I was living the dream in that warm Indian Ocean.
Image © Albertus Koorts
Image © Albertus Koorts
You have a wide interest in different artistic mediums. Are there ones you prefer over others?
At this point I mainly use pencil and a fine liner. But anything really. I draw a lot, but I’m pushing myself to draw more. I recently moved into a new home so I’m still settling in, hoping I can set my desk and draw space up quickly so I can draw more. With drawing I’m down on most mediums except computers. I don’t fucking touch computers, hahahaha.
Image © Albertus Koorts
Image © Albertus Koorts
You’ve been drawing for the greater part of your life. What about drawing intrigues you so much?
I don’t know why I have this love and weird relationship with drawing. I usually don’t put too much thought into it. It’s more a meditation process where I zone out and try something I haven’t seen before by letting my mind create images by repeating certain pattern. It came pretty naturally I suppose but I’m putting in a lot of work/time to be better.
Image © Albertus Koorts
Image © Albertus Koorts
You recently started at Sins Of Style Tattoo studio in Cape Town. Do tell us more.
Yeah dude, I’m so fucking happy to be part of Sins. Fuck, I’ve been wanting to learn how to tattoo for a long time. Tattoo apprenticeships are hard and it doesn’t pay well. It’s a fucking mission. Three years ago I sold my moms car and got some money saved up. I started my tattoo apprenticeship and ended at a shop for almost two years where after I got fired for not taking it serious they said. I was heartbroken dude. Feeling like shit and not knowing what to do I jumped behind a bar, serving drinks, to make some bucks you know? Fuck, working in a bar is not good, especially for a guy like me who likes a drink or two. One night after a shift I was bitching to Tyler (Sins Of Style) about how depressed I was. Tyler spoke to me some more and eventually told me I should come to he’s shop the following week. Dude, I almost fucking cried. I thought he was fucking with me. It still feels
crazy unreal and I am so fucking grateful for this opportunity. Tyler blows my mind every day and to get mentored by this dude is an insane honor.
Image © Albertus Koorts
Image © Albertus Koorts
What inspires you?
Really just the small things. The sea, the sun. My friends play a fucking big roll.
Skateboarding has always been part of your life. In fact, you used to be a prominent skater on the scene. Why haven’t we seen much of you on a board lately?
Dude, skateboarding is so gnarly these days. Guys are pushing so hard it’s mental. I didn’t really push that hard back in the day but I guess I had a little groove and flow going. I had fun. I always had a skateboard growing up and surrounded myself with skaters. My best friends are skaters. Skateboarding shaped me into the person I am today. For the past year and a half my knee stated giving me shit. The pain was unbearable and at the start of lockdown I underwent knee surgery. I’ve spent pretty much 2 months on the couch recovering. For now I ride my bicycle and go for dips in the ocean but that’s pretty much it. I’m definitely in no rush to get back on a skateboard.
Image supplied by Jimmy Wong
Image supplied by Jimmy Wong
Image supplied by Jimmy Wong
Image supplied by Jimmy Wong
Can you land a kick flip if I give you a board right now?
First go? Probably not. Hit me up when my knee is better.
Any tips for kids looking up to you?
Don’t look at me. I don’t know what the hell is going on. I look at kids today and they seem to know more then me. I’m still figuring this shit out. Honestly, tell your friends you love them. Give them hugs and make sure they know how much you appreciate them. They might not be there tomorrow.
Image © Albertus Koorts
Image © Albertus Koorts
Jimmy Wong
Durban born Jimmy Wong is a colorful guy who comes with healthy doses of quirk, charm and humor. From being a prominent figure in the local skateboarding, to multitalented artist, his work is definitely an extension of his personality.
