When did you start doing graffiti and what got you started?
I started writing in 1970, I was 15 and I knew better, but I was attracted
by the different styles each individual used. Very cryptic, very mysterious.
How did they do it?
Have you had any formal art experience?
NO, I could never draw the "pirate".
How did you make the transition from trains to art exhibits? Do you
place much importance in "the art world?"
For me the transition was rapid, one minute we were bombing trains and
living the culture, and the next minute BOOM. The commercialization and
exploitation commenced, and alot of talented artists got kicked to the curb. A battle of attrition.
one should be prepared to bring new work to this venue, the pressures are very real, "street art" will always look better in the street. Concepts
and strategies are good allies.
You say you like to "blaze your own trails." Why do you feel that that's
important?
It all stems from, not biting, being original and having self respect.
I have a vision, I have a plan, and yes, I have a dream.
As long as I still have control of my own life, why not do it my way?
Where do you get inspiration? Who do you most respect?
That's tough because I really draw from everything, the way something looked,
(oh is that BLUNT for me), a smile she gave, the way I was touched, COPS, Tatiana from Moscow,
sonyplaystation, my kids, the light in my studio at 10:30am, a slurpee, standing in front of a
rack of Buntlack paint.
RESPECT...hmmmmmm. Let's just say I'm from Missouri.
A lot of people don't hold tagging in the highest regard. what do you
feel about all that?
All great pioneer era writers got that way because they tagged the shit out of their villages, towns, or cities. whatever I am today, I owe it all to writing my name on alot of walls. Damn, did I say that?
In your opinion, who were some of the pioneers of new york graffiti?
easy...STAY HIGH 149...PHASE 2...TOPCAT 126...FLINT 707...TRACY 168...
I sincerely hope that you take the time to answer these, if that's at
all possible, I would probably like to ask you a couple follow-up
questions later in the week, because e-mail interviews are usually better
to read (less disjointed) that way.
at any rate, thanx alot & peace
When did you start doing graffiti and what got you started?
I started writing in 1970, I was 15 and I knew better, but I was attracted by the different styles each individual used. Very cryptic, very mysterious. How did they do it?
Have you had any formal art experience?
NO, I could never draw the "pirate".
How did you make the transition from trains to art exhibits? Do you place much importance in "the art world?"
For me the transition was rapid, one minute we were bombing trains and living the culture, and the next minute BOOM. The commercialization and exploitation commenced, and alot of talented artists got kicked to the curb. A battle of attrition. one should be prepared to bring new work to this venue, the pressures are very real, "street art" will always look better in the street. Concepts and strategies are good allies.
You say you like to "blaze your own trails." Why do you feel that that's important?
It all stems from, not biting, being original and having self respect. I have a vision, I have a plan, and yes, I have a dream. As long as I still have control of my own life, why not do it my way?
Where do you get inspiration? Who do you most respect?
That's tough because I really draw from everything, the way something looked, (oh is that BLUNT for me), a smile she gave, the way I was touched, COPS, Tatiana from Moscow, sonyplaystation, my kids, the light in my studio at 10:30am, a slurpee, standing in front of a rack of Buntlack paint.
RESPECT...hmmmmmm. Let's just say I'm from Missouri.
A lot of people don't hold tagging in the highest regard. what do you feel about all that?
All great pioneer era writers got that way because they tagged the shit out of their villages, towns, or cities. whatever I am today, I owe it all to writing my name on alot of walls. Damn, did I say that?
In your opinion, who were some of the pioneers of new york graffiti?
easy...STAY HIGH 149...PHASE 2...TOPCAT 126...FLINT 707...TRACY 168...
I sincerely hope that you take the time to answer these, if that's at all possible, I would probably like to ask you a couple follow-up questions later in the week, because e-mail interviews are usually better to read (less disjointed) that way.
at any rate, thanx alot & peace