James Spooner

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James Spooner
File:James Spooner author tattooer.jpg
Spooner in [add context if known, e.g. at event]
Born1976 (age 49–50)[1]
Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.[1]
Occupations
  • Film director
  • Tattoo artist
  • Graphic novelist
PartnerLisa Nola[1]
Websitespoonersnofun.com

James Spooner (born 1976) is an American film director, tattoo artist, and graphic novelist. He is best known for directing the 2003 documentary Afro-Punk, co-founding the annual Afropunk Festival, and authoring the graphic memoir The High Desert: Black. Punk. Nowhere (2022).[2][3]

Early life and education

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James Spooner was born in 1976 in Jersey City, New Jersey.[1] His father, of Saint Lucian descent, was a professional bodybuilder and former Mr. America, while his mother was a special education teacher.[1]

He grew up in Apple Valley, California and later in New York City.[4][5] He attended Apple Valley High School and later LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts.[6]

In his youth, Spooner was drawn to punk rock—listening to bands like the Sex Pistols, Black Flag, and Misfits—and started exploring the subculture at a young age.[7]

Career

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Early artistic & musical ventures

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Spooner founded the record label Kidney Room Records, which released several records including Frail’s Idle Hands Hold Nothing, a split single by Elements of Need and Jasmine, and a single from Swing Kids.[8]

He also worked as a host at On!, a late-night event in New York City.[9]

In 2021, he appeared in the Broad’s documentary series Time Decorated: The Musical Influences of Jean-Michel Basquiat.[10]

Film & Afropunk movement

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Spooner directed Afro-Punk (2003), a documentary exploring race, identity, and punk subculture among Black Americans. The film premiered at the 2003 Toronto International Film Festival.[11][12] In the spirit of DIY principles, Spooner toured the film extensively, screening it over 300 times at colleges and festivals across the U.S.[13]

Following the documentary, Spooner co-founded the Afropunk Festival in 2005 with Matthew Morgan in Brooklyn.[14][15] The festival expanded internationally, with editions in Atlanta, London, Paris, and Johannesburg.[16]

In 2008, Spooner departed from the festival, citing philosophical and creative differences over its evolving direction.[17][18]

He also directed the narrative film White Lies, Black Sheep (2007), which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.[19][20]

Writing & graphic novel work

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In 2022, Spooner published his first graphic memoir, The High Desert: Black. Punk. Nowhere.[21][22] The Washington Post named it among the "10 Best Graphic Novels of 2022."[23] The memoir explores themes of identity, alienation, race, and the formative influence of punk culture in Spooner’s adolescence.[24][25]

Reception

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The High Desert received positive reviews from both mainstream and comics-focused outlets. The Los Angeles Times highlighted its depiction of cross-racial experiences in California and New York,[26] while The Comics Journal praised its exploration of alienation and identity.[27] ComicsBeat described the book as “an absolutely gorgeous memoir.”[28]

Spooner also co-edited the anthology Black Punk Now (2023) with Chris L. Terry.[29][30]

Personal life

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Spooner practices a vegan lifestyle and is known for pioneering vegan-friendly tattoo methods at his tattoo studio, Monocle Tattoo.[31] He lives in Los Angeles with his partner, Lisa Nola, and his daughter.[1]

Filmography

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Feature films

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Year Title Director Writer Producer Cinematographer Editor
2003 Afro-Punk yes no yes yes yes
2007 White Lies, Black Sheep yes yes yes no yes

Publications

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Books

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Title Year Notes
The High Desert: Black. Punk. Nowhere. 2022 Graphic memoir
Black Punk Now (co-edited with Chris L. Terry) 2023 Anthology of essays and stories

References

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