Exene
Vallen 1979
Pencil on paper 11" x 11"

I sketched this portrait of Exene from the band X, sometime around 1979. X were the most successful of the original L.A. punk bands. Their aggressive and angry rockabilly tinged audio assaults were the perfect soundtrack for L.A. in the late 1970's. Their sound was energetic, apocalyptic and full of doom.

I made this sketch at a live concert in some dive, but I don't remember where. I do recall that Exene tossed out into the audience handfuls of tiny white plastic "X's". I safety pinned one of them to my leather jacket where it stayed for years. The small white X - a wild gift, was reflected in my drawing.