Local artist's work catches Grammy-winner's eye

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Grammy-winning performer at the Free Press Summer Fest showed a local artist just how much she appreciated his work.

For an artist who sells his work on the street, it's all about location, location, location.

"I was looking for a spot that people would be passing through," said street artist Jon Garner.

Sunday's spot at the corner of West Dallas and the Gulf Freeway was prime for those attending the Free Press Summer Fest downtown. Also for those playing in it.

"I was standing here and saw Erykah Badu drive by," said Garner.

Yes, the Erykah Badu, known for her combination of R&B, hip hop and jazz, the Grammy award winner stopped by Garner's mobile studio.

"She was like, 'I love your art work' and I was like, 'love your music,'" he said.

And just like that, Garner sold not one, but four of his paintings to the famous musician.

"She compared me to famous street artists and I was just very honored for that and grateful that she would even stop in," said Garner.

Garner calls his creations street art that mixes old Texas wood with new pop culture.

"It's Texas wood, aged by Texans and all I do is clean it disinfect it and put it together and put something that's clever and fun on it," he said.

Fun, like a painted storm trooper, which he says caught the eye of Badu. And now it's Garner who will catch something of his own -- a new wave of confidence and inspiration.

"Have someone that has notoriety come in and say, 'Hey, I really like your stuff' makes you go OK, than maybe I'm on to something."