MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - A local artist is getting his chance to show off his skills on one of the biggest stages.
As a way to celebrate the NBA back on NBC, from Oct. 16-21 on NBC and Peacock, an event called “30 Rocks” will provide basketball fans visiting Rockefeller Center in New York City with the opportunity to celebrate their NBA fandom through immersive art, and one Memphian’s work will be center stage.
“It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I am definitely going to say yes to that,” Jamond Bullock said.
Jamond Bullock is one of 30 artists around the country selected to take part in the initiative.
Jamond Bullock is one of 30 artists around the country selected to take part in the initiative.(WMC)
Bullock has been telling stories through his artwork for years, whether it be murals at the airport or paintings in FedExForum, so when he got the chance to paint something for the NBA and Grizzlies, he pounced on the opportunity.
“I am a huge fan of the Grizzlies, like I see myself in the Grizzlies in a lot of ways, like just rooting for the underdog to win,” Bullock said.
He was one of 30 artists around the country to design a custom basketball for their hometown team for fans in the Big Apple to check out.
All 30 teams in the NBA had a custom basketball designed.
All 30 teams in the NBA had a custom basketball designed.(WMC)
He gave Action News 5 a peek at what his thought process was like.
“It just has a lot of underlying layers in the design that people can look at and slow down and see something that reminds them of Memphis,” Bullock said.
He made each panel a little different, paying homage to players like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant. Others were creative designs based on the Grizzlies logo.
Jamond Bullock's custom NBA basketball design for his hometown team, the Memphis Grizzlies
Jamond Bullock's custom NBA basketball design for his hometown team, the Memphis Grizzlies(Jamond Bullock)
It is something that he has done before; he stressed it was important to flex the place he calls home.
“It is important to speak the language of the locals here, you know, and being able to reflect that in the artwork and things people would recognize, and it’s just a nod to the local culture,” Bullock said.
The first NBA games here on WMC will air October 21, and after that, Bullock’s basketballs will be returned for fans to enjoy.
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