Today we’d like to introduce you to James Cobb.
James, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Every time I saw a movie as a kid, my brother and I would run outside and act out our favorite parts. We would fight off the bad guys, cast spells with stick wands, and win the big game in the last seconds. I also was the nerdy kid who read every non-fiction book about animals in my school library and explained to my 2nd-grade friends that deforestation is killing tigers, gorillas, and other of their favorite jungle creatures. I didn’t realize that I had two passions pulling at my heart, art and the environment. My mom was a creative in her free time and my dad was an environmental science professor, so it made sense. I found out quickly that I hated the science lab, and loved the stage, so I chose my path and went to college to study acting. But I was always looking for a way to combine my love for performing and my passion to conserve the environment. I thought that I had it figured out: I would be a famous actor and use my voice to call attention to the problems going on in our world.
I moved to LA and quickly discovered that one does not simply become a famous actor. Duh! So, I’ve been living on the actor grind for the past two years, going to classes, working a day job, and booking a few small gigs. But my nature side was crying out, especially seeing the state of the world today. I realized that the climate crisis isn’t something that I can ignore. Then, the tragic death of Geroge Floyd called my attention to yet another problem that I had been ignoring, systemic racism. I started using my quarantined free time trying to figure out ways to help both problems. Do I make a movie? Do I write a script? How can I raise money to help these causes? After a few days of brainstorming, I found my place in the fight.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been a rough internal road. My dream has been to be in movies, but the way we currently make movies is not sustainable, nor has the industry broken away from its systemic racism. I refuse to turn ignore these problems, but how we fix them is difficult.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am selling various sizes of donut paintings, and 100% of the profits go to help the Black Lives Matter movement; improving the lives of people of color in our community. My classic donut is a pink icing donut with sprinkles, but I can also customize the donut and its color scheme to match your style. The donuts offer you a unique work of art to show off in your home, while also giving back to the community. Every time you look at the painting you can say “I dough-not tolerate racism.” Check out my Instagram @JamesCobb_ for details! Also, if you live in LA I will safely deliver the paintings to you myself to reduce shipping costs!
I am about to launch an educational Tiktok page to teach the climate crisis and solutions in a fun and entertaining way. A lot of people don’t understand what exactly climate change is, why it is happening, and what to do about it. Now, people can use their favorite entertainment app to educate themselves on one of the most important issues we face today. This channel isn’t where I scream the earth is ending and call people stupid! Instead, I am building well researched, unthreatening skits and explanations that give you knowledge, hope, and a few good laughs. Be on the lookout for @ClimateWithCobb as well as my sustainable diet page, @CookingWithCobb
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the artistic collaboration and opportunity! Everywhere I turn, I can be inspired by an artist in any medium. Also, the vegan food I find around town is straight fire!
Being from Texas, I do miss the southern hospitality. If I make eye contact with a stranger and smile here… I get a blank stare.
Pricing:
- 8”x8” Paintings are $25
- 12″x12″ Paintings are $35
- 20″x20″ Pantings are $100
Contact Info:
- Phone: 8067815503
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamescobb_/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@climatewithcobb?lang=en and also https://www.tiktok.com/@cookingwithcobb?lang=en
Image Credit:
My personal photo was taken by Annie Meisel.
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