In 2008, a unique phenomenon took hold of Jacksonville, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s street art scene. Painted wooden cutouts in the shape of black-soled feet started appearing on telephone poles and public spaces, each boldly marked with the word “Jiffy”. This creative invasion was the brainchild of R. Land, an artist hailing from Jacksonville but based in Atlanta since 1994. Known for his iconic artworks like Speckles the “Loss Cat” and Atlanta’s famous “Pray for ATL” image, Land’s upbringing in Jacksonville greatly influenced his artistic vision.
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The Origins of Jiffy Feet
Like many Jaxsons, Land vividly remembers the first time he encountered the term “Jiffy feet”. In the late 1980s, while delivering Auto Trader magazines to stores across Jacksonville, Land encountered a man in a Westside Jiffy store. This unconventional character, sporting tight jeans cutoffs, white tube socks covered in dirt, and nothing else, left a lasting impression on Land’s young artistic mind. Amused by the encounter, Land shared the story with his brother Joel, who coined the term “Jiffy feet”. The quirky nickname stuck, bringing a timeless humor to an everyday encounter.
The Birth of Jiffy Feet Art
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Drawing inspiration from this memorable incident, Land decided to create a distinctively Jacksonville street art project in 2008. He hand-painted around 15 wooden cutouts in his vibrant, cartoony style and sent them to his brother Joel, who strategically placed them around the city. The response was overwhelming. While some Jiffy feet were removed within days, others remained for weeks, captivating the attention of passersby. People started approaching Land, inquiring about the origin of these unique creations and where they could get their hands on one. To meet the demand, Land expanded his collection, designing hundreds of new Jiffy feet variations. From humans to animals, fictitious creatures to cartoon faces, each Jiffy foot had its own personality. The mustachioed King Jiffy, symbolizing justice and benevolence, quickly gained popularity among enthusiasts.
Spreading the Jiffy Feet Love
Soon, Land’s Jiffy feet gained wider recognition, thanks to coverage by publications like Folio Weekly and local Jacksonville blogs. Even today, when you ask locals about Jiffy feet, many refer back to Land’s series as their introduction to the phrase. Land sees his creations as a celebration of the unique aspects of life on the First Coast. The resonance they create is like a connection to the soul of the city, paying homage to its distinct character.
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Land’s Jiffy feet symbolize a broader trend of embracing the idiosyncrasies that make Jacksonville special, including the seemingly mundane and overlooked. Despite the closure of the last Jiffy store in the area, the colloquialism of Jiffy feet has become ingrained in local culture, showcasing the distinctive charm of Jacksonville.
Jiffy Feet: A Symbol of Jacksonville’s Soul
As Jiffy feet continue to leave their mark throughout Jacksonville, they represent more than just artwork. They embody the spirit of a community that celebrates its quirkiness and finds beauty in the unexpected. These simple wooden cutouts have become a symbol of local pride and a testament to the thriving artistic spirit in Jacksonville. So, next time you spot a Jiffy foot adorning a telephone pole or public space, take a moment to appreciate the creativity and unique charm it represents.
To explore more of Jacksonville’s local lore, check out R. Land’s art at rlandart.com.
Source: https://t-tees.com
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