J. Coburn
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J. Coburn (born Joshua John Coburn January 13, 1981) is an influential leader, body modification artist, speaker, and author. Born in Grinnell, Iowa,often assumed to be on Friday, January 13th (actually a Tuesday). J. Coburn is most noted for his heavily modified appearance and honesty to himself and others. J. Coburn's controversial book, Selections From The Serial Killer Cookbook (The Handbook For America's Youth), has launched Coburn from local popularity into national spotlight.
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[edit] Early life
Raised in the small town of Brooklyn,Iowa J. Coburn was preceded by two older siblings, a brother and sister. His father, a hard working lineman was an alcoholic until his divorce with the mother of his children, J. was aged twelve. In interviews J. has stated often that this was the beginning of his depressive period though he did not realize it at the time. A popular student and formidable athlete, J. Coburn was able to mask his depression while in public. Throughout high school he struggled to find his adentity, stopping all forms of sport and working a local grocery. An open and honest young man, Coburn stated that he wanted to make a career of being himself. The advice coming from his Principal and other educators was that it was an unlikly career and he should consider factory work.
1998 saw Coburn graduate from BGM high school and immediately began work at a Pella Windows factory. While still in high school Coburn began extensive tattooing, making friends with nationally known tattoo artist Darren McKeag. Shortly after his graduation Coburn had his first brush with fame, McKeag tattooed Coburn for a segment on the VH1 television show "Fanclub". Noticing Coburn's commitment to the industry of body modification, Mckeag offered Coburn a receptionist job at his Slingin' Ink Tattoos.
[edit] Life Change
Still suffering from depression and growing more and more disgruntled with working in a factory wrestling his demons on night shift, Coburn made the decision to end his life or change it drastically. This would be a turning point, after waking the next evening to ready for work Coburn made his final decision. He called his girlfriend of eight years and ended their relationship, immediately quite his factory job. Coburn has mentioned that he was at the bottom and realized there could only be up from there. With more time to dedicate to Slingin' Ink Tattoos he became a body piercer and scarification artist. Realizing that he now had no limits, Coburn committed himself to an artist lifestyle by tattooing a symbol, which he created, on his forehead.
This symbol, that of 3 circles in ascending order from largest to smallest, has become his signature. The symbol would become known as the "individual" symbol in later years. This symbol eventually became the Provoke Productions logo as well, earing it a trade mark in the process. Originally Coburn created Provoke Productions to publish his own writings. Shortly after it's inception, Provoke Producitons began to churn out clothing with Coburn's controversial designs on them. After success in selling and wholesaling his clothing line Coburn set out to publish his first book. the result was Selections From The Serial Killer Cookbook (The Handbook For America's Youth). Initially sales were slow but word of mouth spread it garnered a large cult following. Coburn's success out side the body modification field allowed him to begin speaking at colleges and high schools, speaking of self awareness, confidance, respect, and being true to ones self. Coburn also speaks out against drug and alcohol abuse, having grow up in an alcoholic home, he has chosen never to partake. During this period Coburn forcibly faced his dpression and is now known and noted for his excessive positive outlook and attitude.
[edit] Recent Activity
Recently Provoke Productions has also become a record label, releasing albums by working class metal bandFreaklabel. An accomplished, self taught, graphic designer Coburn also personally designs Freaklabel's CD artwork and tour merchandise along with all Provoke Productions designs. J. Coburn has also picked up at least two other full time authors and is picking up a new clothing line called Ree D'Fine Clothing. Coburn is also part of a small company known only as Pit Of Your Stomach. Exactly why the company was established is unknown.
J. Coburn is currently involved with many various projects. J. Coburn plans release for his book Through the Eyes of an Abstract Mind in 2007. According to J. Coburn's personal MySpace blog, a book titled either "Remains" or "Leftovers" is in the works. A book of black and white photgraphy has also been rumored but this may be an abandoned project. Coburn alsostill remains loyal to Darren at Slingin'ink Tattoos & Body Modification.
[edit] Family
J. Coburn has been married to wife, Ashley, and lives in small town Iowa with his two rescued cats.
[edit] Themes
All themes in J. Coburn's work, clothing, writing, and speaking, revolve around the human situation and social commentary. Most themes seem dark upon first look but after a more detailed examination are based around rebirth and renewing personal spirit and growth. An example is that of an image of slit wrists with the phrase "Kill Yourself, For Yourself" written around it. This is to be shocking at first to engage people in conversation based on reaction. What it represents is metaphorically killing (changing)the portions of ones self that is of dislike to become a happier, more confidant person. The title of his first book, Selections From The Serial Killer Cookbook (The Handbook For America's Youth) was intended to create the same reaction, initiating coversation and erasing people's fear.
[edit] Books
2004 Selections From The Serial Killer Cookbook (The Handbook For America's Youth) ISBN-10: 0975430408 ISBN-13: 978-0975430408
2007 Through The Eyes of an Abstract Mind
