In 1998 Kozik called me and asked if he could connect me with some Japanese folks who collected his work and liked my work. It kicked off a great relationship between Kozik, me, and Dept. Japan. In 2000 Dept invited me and Frank to do an art show at their space in Osaka.
Frank suggested that we call the show "FUCK Kozik and Giant," which I thought was funny, so I designed some type for it. Frank then invited me to his studio in San Francisco to finish the poster with him. When I got there, Frank, a hero, and major inspiration, pulled out a rough pencil sketch of a scene with rows of his "Smokin' Rabbits" parading in front of the Kremlin being saluted by soldiers. Frank then told me to complete the art while he chain-smoked and cranked Black Sabbath while looking over my shoulder. I was very nervous but made illustrations, scanned them, and worked out the composition to Frank's satisfaction. I had succeeded in a trial by fire lit by a personal hero. Thanks for that and a lot of other great moments Frank, but mostly thanks for being a prolific punk rock DIY trailblazer!
–Shepard
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