When Jakeob Watson started painting caps instead of canvas he never imagined an American rapper would ask to buy one.
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The 22-year-old made the change in August last year and uploaded photographs of his work onto instagram.
Within a matter of weeks Warren Ben Baker jr., otherwise known as Los Angeles rapper and dancer Bounce, saw the photographs and wanted to buy a hat.
“He found the stuff through instagram,” Watson said. “He’s from the Rej3cts; they’re dancers and rappers, they are huge in America.”
Bounce received the headwear and has spread the word about Watson’s work to other LA artists.
“I’ve been giving a few out to celebrities, I gave one to Big Shaun [Sean Michael Anderson] and Kid Inc [Brian Todd Collins] has hit me up for one, I’m really happy,” Watson, who learnt to paint with an uncle in 2008, said.
“Most people don’t even know it’s traditional Aboriginal art, they just like that it’s different.
“Everyone loves them, I guess because they are so different, I’ve had calls from people all over Australia and now the US.”
The Stash House in Nelson Bay and Charlestown were the first to stock Watson’s caps and he is in talks with five other stores in Sydney, Tamworth and Mullumbimby that are interested in selling the work.
You can follow Jakeob on instagram at @itsspud or on Facebook at Jwatson Art.