Enigmatic street artist Evereman’s 11 good things

In this series, ArtsATL asks a member of the Atlanta arts community to share 11 things on their mind. We hope you enjoy getting to know these people better.

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Jay Wiggins moved to Atlanta from Lumberton, North Carolina, in 1978 at the age of 19, ready to take on the world. He soon found his footing here in the street art scene of the early 1980s. In 1986, Wiggins opened Frijolero’s in Midtown, which he describes as the first “roll ’em in front of you” burrito joint in town. A year later, in 1987, he married the love of his life. From 1990 to 1993, Wiggins apprenticed under Atlanta furniture maker Jack Harich, subsequently launching his own practice in 1993, where he designs, builds and teaches the art of furniture making to this day.

In 2003, Wiggins wanted to get back to his street art roots, and the moniker Evereman was born; he estimates that tens of thousands of his artworks have been gifted since. While the medium varies — wood, steel, painting, cast resin, ceramics, film, photography and even cast iron — the blocky image remains the same. Ranging from microscopic in scale to 1-ton steel pieces and three-story murals, his works have become an eponymous staple of the Atlanta street art scene.

Here, in no particular order, are Jay Wiggins’ 11 good things. 

1. The limeade at Sammy’s in Adair Park. They opened in my neighborhood a year ago. The sandwiches are beyond reproach. The staff are the bestest friendliest. The limeade — sublime. 
2. Atlanta’s art scene. Atlanta has been a special place for a small-town fella to arrive and make a mark. I came here from Lumberton, North Carolina, in 1978 at 19 years of age. By the early 1980s, I was doing street art and had gotten involved with a fantastic group of DIY artists known as The Blue Rat. I’ve kept my head down, nose to the grindstone, doing my thing. Rarely ask permission. Rarely ask forgiveness. To qoute Julia Childs: “No excuses; no explanations.”
3. Music. I play in two local bands: Acoustic Station (all originals) and Dirty Shame. We play folk, country, Americana. Come hear us sometime. 
4. Family. Where would I be without my family? 
5. Reading. Oh, the places you will go and the people you will meet and the growth you will experience in a book. 
6. Wood. Walnut; white oak; maple; cherry. I have designed and built furniture and taught furniture making for more than 30 years. Producing a tangible thing is satisfying. Hey y’all, use your head and your hands. 
7. Beer. I enjoy a cold frosty. Craft beer rules. Thank you Hop City.
8. Threes. Things in threes.
9. Laughter. Truly the best medicine.
10. The Hawks and the Falcons. “Turn off your mind, relax and float downstream.”
11. Wonder. It is my understanding that there are more stars in the universe than there are grains of sand on Earth. Let’s be here. Now. What a wonder this life is. Have empathy. One world. One love.