The background artwork on this mug comes from an original painting created by my son, Lamonte. His creativity reflects the truth that legacy is not static. It grows, evolves, and lives through those who come after us. This piece brings together the voice of the next generation with a message about value, reminding us that creativity, culture, and identity carry worth that cannot be measured. It is a meaningful object meant to be kept, used, and reflected on over time.
Not For Sale Collector Mug honors the life and legacy of Jean-Michel Basquiat, an African American artist born on December 22, 1960, in Brooklyn, New York. He was the son of Gérard Basquiat, who was born in Haiti, and Matilde Andrades, who was of Puerto Rican descent. Basquiat was the second of four children and grew up with two younger sisters, Lisane and Jeanine. He learned to read at an early age and spoke English, Spanish, and French. His mother regularly took him to museums in New York City, where he was introduced to art history and encouraged to develop his creativity.
When Basquiat was seven years old, he was struck by a car, and during his recovery he was given a medical book titled Gray’s Anatomy. The drawings of bones and anatomy stayed with him and later influenced the imagery in his paintings. In the late 1970s, Basquiat began writing short poetic phrases in public spaces in Lower Manhattan with artist Al Diaz under the name SAMO, which stood for “Same Old…”. By the early 1980s, he was painting full time and gained recognition for combining words, symbols, and historical references to explore identity, culture, and the Black experience. He often used a three-point crown in his work to honor figures he believed were great, especially Black musicians, athletes, and historical figures who were often overlooked. Basquiat became one of the youngest artists to achieve international recognition, exhibiting in major galleries and museums while still in his early twenties, and he later collaborated with artist Andy Warhol.
Basquiat often included powerful words and phrases in his paintings and spoke about the role of language in art. In interviews, he said, “I cross out words so you will see them more,” and “I don’t think about art when I’m working. I try to think about life.” The phrase “Not For Sale” connects to this tradition of using language to challenge ideas about value and ownership. In his work and in his public statements, Basquiat frequently explored how people, culture, and history are often treated as commodities, and the words on this mug carry that same reminder that human worth, culture, and legacy cannot be bought. Jean-Michel Basquiat died on August 12, 1988, at the age of 27, and his work continues to influence artists, designers, musicians, and writers around the world.
A collectible piece with a message. Lamonte’s signature artwork meets the words “Not For Sale” as a reminder that true worth cannot be bought.
• Ceramic
• 11 oz mug dimensions: 3.79″ (9.6 cm) in height, 3.25″ (8.3 cm) in diameter
• 15 oz mug dimensions: 4.69″ (11.9 cm) in height, 3.35″ (8.5 cm) in diameter
• Lead and BPA-free material
• Colored rim, inside, and handle
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
