Estria's Graffiti, Murals & Art Shows

Dmize on Hawai'i's Writing History

2012-01-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Videos by the homies at Lightsleepers.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Art Basel Another Video

2012-01-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

Art Basel 2011 Official MTN video

2012-01-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

Octopus Pow Wow Hawai'i

2011-12-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

Mahalo nui to Jasper Wong and Kamehameha Schools for the opportunity.

The calavera is for King Kamehameha, who we believe had his remains hidden in an underwater lava tube off of Kona, Hawai'i. The he'e is guarding him.

Jasper Wong and Super CW of Pow Wow Hawai'i.

Robot Love started a robot. Jasper Wong doctored it up. This is my favorite piece in the warehouse.

TNT by MTN Colors

2011-12-20T10:17:00.001-08:00

TNT by MTN Colors (via Mike Tyau)

Chor Boogie x Vogue x Estria x MTN Colors

2011-12-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a video with our mural in the background. Painted in Miami, FL 2010 by Chor Boogie, Vogue, and I for MTN Colors.

MTN Colors x Gansevoort Miami Beach Hotel

2011-12-09T16:30:00.000-08:00

Official video of making of mural on Gansevoort Hotel Rooftop during Art Basel week in Miami, Fl.

Painted by Vogue, Chor Boogie, Kofie, Neon, Apex, Bam, Trek Six and I. Thank you to MTN Colors and the Gansevoort Miami Beach for the opportunity!

Kofie fish top left, Neon shark top right, Square Flounder by Trek Six, and yes, I did another octopus.

Shark by Vogue and I.

Boogie fish by Chor Boogie.

In progress shot of Kofie fish.

Our MTN videos running on the TVs at the bar.

Anti Canvas Hurley Contrast Art Show and Auction

2011-11-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,If you are in Honolulu on December 2nd, go check out the 3rd Annual Anti Canvas Boardshort Art Show.

Myself and many talented artists have designed boardshorts to raise money for both Pow Wow Hawai'i and Japan Disaster Relief. It's an art show and silent auction with 100% of proceeds going to the charities.

NextDoor
43 N. Hotel St., Honolulu, HI

Friday, December 2, 2011
Doors open 5:00-9:30PM
Entry is free before 9:30pm.
After-party will follow until 2AM.

Artists included:
123Klan
Brooke Dombroski
Bwana Spoons
Clark Little
Clark Takashima
Cr Stecyk
Dave Homcy
Dalek
Estria
Jason Maloney
Jen Teixeira
Joseph Pa Ahana
Josh Grelock
Justin Park
Justin Scrappers Morrison
Martin Ontiveros
Moses Aipa
Nalani Kanakaole
Paul Kema
Pegge Hopper
Rina Soeda
Ronnie Yamada
Skinner
Steven Valiere
Susanne Melanie Berry
Lightsleepers
Toshikazu Nozaka
U-ske Photo
Vers Hawai'i
Yasmina Dedijer

Sorry if I spelled any names incorrectly. Mahalo nui to Daniel Ito for including me!

Hiki No video of Prime and Estria Battle

2011-11-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

Video by Hiki No aired on PBS Hawai'i, produced by students of Mid-Pacific Institute, a private school on O'ahu. Features Prime of 808Urban and the Estria Battle.

Rebirth by MTN Street Team

2011-11-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

"Rebirth" by the 2010 MTN Street Team in Oakland, CA. This is on the Great Wall of Oakland, where monthly video projections happen during Art Murmur (first friday evenings).

Artists on this project: Apex, Bam, Chor Boogie, Estria, Jase, King 157, Neon, Vogue

Big mahalo to Chris Curtis, Lukas, Salwa I., Carly P., Leo Gong, Oaksterdam, and TOTT Global for supporting this project and making it happen. Big connector photo by Leo Gong. All other shots are pulled off of that.

Angry Woebot x Estria

2011-11-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Angry Woebot was in the bay area for a few days. Here's a one-day freestyle by two local boys from Hawai'i. Super good fun.

Case2 Tribute by Bam x Twick x Estria

2011-10-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Case2, was a one-armed, style master supreme from NewYork City. His scenes in Style Wars affected an entire generation of writers worldwide. He passed away in August 2011 and we painted this tribute shortly after.

Finished photos by Mike Bam.

In progress photos by Obey Pusit Posse

Bam 808

Estria 808

Twick ICP

Poesia x Bam x Estria

2011-10-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a little freestyle collaboration we did back at the beginning of the year. Finally got photos of it. It was my first time painting with Poesia. Dude is super cool.
Oakland, CA

Estria Battle Day-After Annual paint Jam 2011

2011-10-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

On October 9th we had our 3rd annual day-after paint jam following the Estria Battle in Oakland, CA. It was a great relaxing day with over 30 artists.

Thank you to el Taco Bike for the tamales and hospitality. Thank you to Goody Goodie for the best gourmet cookies on earth!

Mahalo to Nancy, Santi and Miss V. for making it happen. We hope the youth love it!

Vyal One, 2011 Battle Champion

Meres

Doves TC5, 2011 Battle 2nd place

Level

Woier K2STN

Steel MSK

Skot TYS

Poesia Transcend

Jurne

Bounce TYS

Shawn Burner TYS

Vyal One

Lost DE

Amend TDK

Icer ICP

Wand

Kebs

'Onipa'a by me

Tiki by Prime 808

Bam 808

Ohana EV

Mean EV

Look EV

Rival EV

Bieste EV

Dmize EV

Hops

Mags

Cify

Dr. Susie and Pilar Castillo

Erin Yoshi

'Onipa'a description by Prime 808

Dime of Oakland also painted, but I couldn't get a shot of her piece.

Mean x Bam x Estria x WallSpace

2011-10-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

My boy, Mean from Hawai'i had a free day in the bay after the Oakland Battle. Here's is the second of two freestyle walls we painted that day with Mike Bam. Another all Hawaiian lineup in California.

Thanks to Chris from Space Gallery for hooking us up with this nice wall. He's got this awesome project called WallSpace in the Tenderloin and Polk districts, which liberates walls with art by local and international top talents.

Nice little alley at 666 O'Farrell St., San Francisco, CA

EV by Mean EV

Octopus by me

Bam 808

Monkey by Mean

Honey bee by Mean

Mean x Bam x Estria in Lilac Alley, San Francisco

2011-10-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

My man, Mean, missed his flight on my day off, so you know we got to paint. Mahalo to king, Twick ICP, for giving us his wall. Thanks also to Randolph and Lisa for their hospitality and making Lilac a mural alley in the first place.

Mean's first freestyle piece of the day. Bam did the Southpark Hawaiian warrior.

Weird freestyle piece for me.

Shout to the Lightsleepers brothers in Hawai'i. Hawaiians in the house!

Party for Sharf / Fairey / Retna murals Part IV

2011-10-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

Party for Murals on West Hollywood Library

Kenny Sharf, Shepard Fairey and Retna with Jeffrey Deitch. The three artists painted murals on the library in a project supported by Cadillac, MOCA LA and Vanity Fair.

Go here to check out more photos. http://bit.ly/oAJG7q

Considering how LA officials are treating artists as a sub class of humans, I really like David LaChapelle's portrait of Retna. I think the project is amazing. On one side of town you've got Retna being praised for his art, and on another side of town, a property owner is being fined for having Retna's art on his home. Crazy.

Full disclosure: I am being compensated by Vanity Fair and Cadillac for this post.

Fairey at West Hollywood Library Part III

2011-10-11T09:11:00.000-07:00

Here's an advance shot of Fairey and his team painting (yes, painting!) a huge mural on the West Hollywood library. This is a collab between Cadillac, MOCA LA and the artists.You can check our more photos and info on Shepard Fairey, Kenny Sharf and Retna rocking this building here: http://bit.ly/r91A0b

“Full disclosure: I am being compensated by Vanity Fair and Cadillac for this post.I'm loving the photos by David LaChapelle.

Retna Fairey Sharf Part II

2011-10-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

I know y'all love Johnny Depp, and a cool half of y'all straight guys would do him, but I'm posting this to share with you some info on the project I mentioned the other day by Retna, Shepard Fairey and Kenny Sharf. This issue of Vanity Fair reveals the process behind the creation of the murals. There are also some portraits of the artists and their works by dope photographer David LaChapelle.For more information, visit vanityfairagenda.com/artinthestreetsYou'll want to check this out when it goes live today. http://bit.ly/rgri0wFull disclosure: I am being compensated by Vanity Fair and Cadillac for this post.

2011-10-03T18:38:00.000-07:00

Angry Woebot, local boy from Hawai'i traveling the globe.

Retna Sharf Fairey rock LA Library

2011-09-30T11:09:00.000-07:00

Recently Retna, Kenny Sharf and Shepard Fairey rocked a library on Melrose in Los Angeles. This is in collaboration with Cadillac and MOCA LA.

Here's a shot from my phone of Retna's section. I'm standing outside the car looking up.

You can sign up here for more info.
http://bit.ly/rgri0w

“Full disclosure: I am being compensated by Vanity Fair and Cadillac for this post."

Estria Battle Honolulu video by Oiwi.tv

2011-09-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

Nice video by the young Hawaiians at Oiwi.tv

Honolulu Battle Results 2011

2011-09-08T18:44:00.000-07:00

Here are the finished pieces. Mahalo to everyone that participated and came out! Hope you all had a good time.

Judges: Prime 808, Klash and me

Katch 1st place

Ckaweeks 2nd place

Bieste 3rd place

Ohana

Sertz

Soker did a piece, then redid it, all in 3 hrs.

Asen

Devour

Grace

Ekundayo

Bogus

Scarz

Prime x Klash 1 hr demo

Woes x Soker & me 1 hr demo

Keo TOP x Estria in LES

2011-08-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Got to do a very quick piece with Keo TOP X-Men TC5 at that school rooftop on the Lower East Side, NYC.

Keo's piece for Seid, a friend who passed away.

My rushed freestyle

Thanks to my boy, Jason Mateo, and Sarah for making it happen!

WaterWrites Honolulu Video

2011-08-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

Our 10 city mural series, #WaterWrites hits Hawai'i! This mural raised the bar for me on many levels for what I want out of my projects for the rest of my life. Just want to say thank you to all the folks who made this mural happen. You know who you are! For my boy, Jeremy, who made it all possible, I'm forever in your debt.

Clark x Estria, South Bronx

2011-08-09T16:45:00.000-07:00

Vogue x Estria x Lightsleepers at Freshcafe

2011-08-05T16:45:00.000-07:00

Quickie half day pieces. Freestyle. Fresh Cafe Hawaii.

Mahalo to Lightsleepers and Prime for the wall!

Kent Twitchell, Mural Master

2011-08-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Kent Twitchell is a living legend in the mural world. You may remember several of his monumental murals on the Los Angeles freeways. He is also the co-inventor of the parachute cloth technique, used by many professional muralists today.

Kent's famous Freeway Lady, being reconstructed for Valley Institute of Visual Art (VIVA) in Sherman Oaks. Read more about her here: vivagallery.org/freewaylady.html

Here's a close up of her face in progress in Kent's studio.

Close up of Freeway Lady's eye. "I wish I knew how to paint. I just draw with color." - Kent Twitchell

I asked Kent how he did all those murals on the freeways. He told me there weren't any laws back then. He just went and did them.

Here's how thoroughly Kent plans out his murals.

Yes that's Michael Jackson's hand.

Pencil study of Erin Yoshioka's grandfather, for an upcoming mural.

One runner remains of the famous LA Marathon mural.

Article featuring Kent's famous Harbor Freeway Overture mural.

"A concept artist is a concept-only artist." - Kent Twitchell

Thanks to Erin Yoshioka for introducing me to someone who inspired my career!

Nuke UTI

2011-08-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

"Us writers are in a long line of scribes." - Nuke UTI

"To be in a crew, you gotta be a crew unto yourself." - Nuke UTI

WaterWrites Honolulu Unveiling 7/7/11 4-7PM Free!

2011-07-05T12:48:00.000-07:00

Come out and enjoy Food, Music, and Celebrate the completion of the 3rd #WaterWrites Mural dedicated to the Hawaiian community and their vision of a sustainable future.

Free Event! All ages. Bring all your friends, keiki, and an appetite!

Guest Appearances By:
Gov. Neil Abercrombie
Michael T. Rota: HCC Chancellor
Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland
Rep. Della Au Belatti

Performers:
Palani Vaughan
Vicki Holt Takamine and Halau Ali'i 'Ilima
Imua
DJ Kavet (Lightsleepers)
Jason Tom
dj Candy

Artists:
John Prime Hina, Vogue TDK, Katch, Rival, Krush TWS, Escape, Dmize225, Krush BS, Eukarezt, Bieste, Quest, Trax, Ohana, Whyte, SMK, Ckaweeks

Food Trucks:
Elena's Filipino
Sweet Makena's Pops
Wahoo's Tacos

Graffiti BlackBook Battle!

Supporters:
Queen Lili'uokalani Children's Center, Kanu Hawai'i, Jens-1, Honolulu Community College, Earth Justice, Home Depot Honolulu, Glidden Paint, Benjamin Moore Dillingham, MTN Colors, Nonstop Honolulu, Honolulu Weekly, Contrast Magazine, Flux Magazine, Pow Wow Hawaii, KHON2, The Contemporary Museum, Honolulu Academy of Art, Under My Umbrella, Sunelectric's Watt Wheels,

Food trucks, educational vendors, & activity booths will be on-site.
Please bring lawn chairs, sunscreen, and your mess kit.
& BRING THE KEIKI!

Ckaweeks and I in Balut Eating Contest

2011-06-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

June 24, 2011

Elena's Filipino Restaurant and Nonstop Honolulu hosted a Balut Eating Contest at the monthly EatTheStreet lunch truck gathering. Check out this video.

Balut is a growing chicken, still in the eggshell, that is boiled. You crack the shell, suck the amniotic fluid, then peel the rest of the shell and eat the rest. It stinks to high hell.

Legendary Slang of the Feds Crew Chicago

2011-05-23T16:45:00.000-07:00

Slang Feds is a true legend in the Chicago game. You know I don't use the 'L' word lightly. Renown for his b-boys and characters, he's also a man of letters.

Tyrue "Slang" Jones painted a beautiful production in Chicago last fall. It barely lasted three weeks. Here's the full story:

http://theblog.momentumarttech.com/2011/01/10/the-mystery-of-the-missing-mural.aspx

Here's a historic L train Slang painted that ran for at least a week, in honor of the major, Harold Washington, who passed away at the time.

Check out Slang's website, slangism.

Caleb Neelon Around the World

2011-05-20T16:00:00.000-07:00

Got to catch up with Caleb Neelon recently. He painted this interesting wall in Germany.

Explore his website. He's done a bunch of interesting stuff over the years all over the planet. calebneelon.com

Recently his and Roger Gastman's latest book, "The History of American Graffiti" was released. It is the most comprehensive tome documenting the movement across the major US cities. It is fantastic to have one of our own document our own. While no single book can adequately cover an entire movement, this book does a fantastic job. There are cities, writers and stories in there that have never been in print.

Get "The History of American Graffiti" on Amazon.com

Prime 808 & Krush TWS workshop in Kona 2011

2011-04-29T16:45:00.000-07:00

I had an old friend named Krush from my old crew, TWS. We fell out of touch for maybe 10 years, and in the last year or so reconnected. Turns out he's married with a child, and happy in Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i. Well now he's got the bug and recently organized a hip hop workshop in Kona. Over 50 youth signed up, and had never used spray paint before to create art.

Prime 808 flew out there to lend a hand and share some knowledge. Wish I was there with them. Looks like they had a blast.

Prime 808 Hawaiian Telcom Commercial

2011-04-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

Check out more of his artwork and tireless community work at 808urban.com. He's also on twitter @808urban

Ford Fiesta Commercial, Estria, Bam, Vogue

2011-04-27T16:45:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun commercial we did in 2010 for Ford Fiesta.

Thank you to @mooncricket for the opportunity!

Always Put the Paint in the Trunk

2011-04-16T09:29:00.000-07:00

Pictures of accident on St Johns Bridge, Queensland on Thursday 17th Feb 2011...
The ambulance driver wouldn't let the female paramedic out of the ambulance because she couldn't stop laughing --
he said it wasn't professional. The people in the blue car had a 25-litre bucket of paint on the back seat.

- Bob Buchanan
themuralsofwinnipeg.com

Mars-1 x Doze Green

2011-03-28T13:49:00.000-07:00

In case you don't know who these two are, Doze is not only famous for his artwork, he's also renown for helping define the classic b-boy style drawings. Mars-1, well, no one should be that amazing at such a young age. Enjoy!

MARS1 & DOZE GREEN from Colin M Day on Vimeo.

Street Artist and Police in Role Reversal

2011-03-24T16:45:00.000-07:00

The Vancouver Police have taken their response to graffiti one step further. They have added their own graffiti-like stencils over the work of street artists. The police’s message, “Steal a bait car go to jail,” was meant to intimidate car thieves. In the cultural loop of subversion-co-optation-subversion, one graffiti artist resorted to the tactics of the censors, covering the police-made images with white paint. The anonymous creation of a blank wall over the police stencil was captured on video and posted online. Incidentally, in the video an angry citizen tries to stop the hooded painter from “defacing” the cop stencil. When that fails, the citizen appears to call the police.

Source: Geez magazine, vol. 21 (spring 2011), p 16. (via Bob Buchanan of www.themuralsofwinnipeg.com )

geezmagazine.org

Kopy K2S Interview

2011-03-24T14:45:00.000-07:00

I was born and raised in Los Angeles specifically in the 818 area. Writing 11 years I think, I keep on saying '92.

One night me and my boys, KEP from BAMC EKC, and TECATE from KOG, we went out to hit up a spot by a highway in Japan. I finished my piece and was ready to leave. I noticed that they were all taking their sweet time smoking, drinking, chilling. At the time my deal was to finish my piece quickly and get the hell out because I was not trying to get caught up. By the time everyone else was done I completed 4 characters and my piece. I even got to see the sun rise. As we left I just thought thank god I didn't get caught. After that we went back to our place. Little did I know that we just went back to pick up cameras to go back and take pictures!

First and foremost it is a HONOR to be in K2S. What I value most about this crew are the older heads because they live their own lives and they still kill shit.

I enjoy creating characters but I just got tired of creating new characters out of my head and drawing girls, I just look at pictures, like any guy. They can be my interpretation of my past lovers, schoolgirls, or sexed crazed pornographic risqué girls.

I don't really pay attention to what [women] say [about my work] sometimes but I do get a lot of requests to draw them though.
Most of all a girl's like my girl so thats a good thing.

I do want it to be know that I would love to work with character heads, thats if they want to work with me. I do [want to paint with] MODE 2 for sure.

Just to name a few [LA writers] I like Witnes and Muter. They always mix in their characters in their letters. I dont know I like that style.

I’ve been writing Kopy, Kopye, Kopyeson and Fukusya. They're all the same thing. Fukusya is Japanese translation for “to copy,” given to me by my Japanese girlfriend at the time when I was traveling to and eventually living in Japan....

Waterwrites Oakland Mural

2011-03-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

Water Writes Oakland Mural from New America Media on Vimeo.

MTN Street Team Miami 2010 Photos

2011-02-24T14:29:00.000-08:00

It's difficult to convey this in words or even photos. Primary Flight is a project that organizes a whole bunch of outdoor murals to happen during Art Basel week in Miami. Imagine an area about 2 square miles getting bombarded with beauty by over 200 top notch graffiti writers and street artists from around the world.

It's Graffiti Cancun.

On each block is another set of kings, queens and legends busting something amazing, or getting together on first time collaborations. No one can keep track of what's legal or illegal.

This mural was painted by the 2010 MTN Street Team to represent MTN and the different flavors the west coast has to offer. It was the largest wall painted at Primary Flight 2010.

Chor freehanded that arch above his painting AFTER he had painted all those details! In one pass!

Bam

Estria

Vogue TDK

Neon

Apex

Jase

Rime

Vogue and I worked on the two samurai women for 5 days and nights straight. I don't know if I would kill myself like that again.

Naw. I would in a heartbeat.

Prime Krush Estria Kona, HI 2011

2011-02-08T13:53:00.000-08:00

Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i. Prime and I caught up with an old friend of mine, Krush, from San Francisco. Krush was a well respected writer in SF in the late '80s and early '90s. Apparently he hadn't fallen off the face of the earth. He had been living on the Big Island.

At 6:30AM on a saturday morning, we had a rental car full of paint and no wall to paint. We drove around looking for a wall, but there are very few walls in Kona that can even have a mural. Prime's cousin's wife, knew someone who knew someone, and by 10:00AM we were painting the largest white wall in Kona on the side of The Great American Self Storage.

In a rush to get to a wedding that afternoon, Prime and I painted freestyle (without a sketch). Krush hadn't done a piece in possible 12-15 years, yet he still busted some funky fresh letters.

Unfortunately, the owners of the business didn't like the work and it was buffed out a few days later. Krush never got a chance to finish his piece. I guess Kona just isn't ready for productions.

As soon as we began painting, a car with three teenagers pulled up. They ended up hanging out the entire day taking photos and waiting to capture the finished pieces. Things like that don't happen in the big cities where everyone is in a rush.

I liked Kona a lot, especially the people, and I hope to return to paint again sometime soon.

Tiki Warrior freestyle by Prime 808

Tako (octopus) freestyle by Estria 808

Estria freestyle

One of my best friends, Weyland Southon, married his lady that day, January 22, 2011.

Backyard Freestyle 2011

2011-02-07T13:55:00.000-08:00

Last minute freestyle jam in Uncle Prime's backyard. Photos copyright Prime 808. Might've been more drinking than painting on my part. A great time with cool folks.

Estria

Dmize EV BS

Meut TDK

Richie's Drive Inn Honolulu 2011

2011-02-04T14:00:00.000-08:00

One day impromptu paint jam with Look, Dmize, Mean, Bieste, Katch. Thanks to Weed n Seed and Prime 808 for the wall and the opportunity. Special thanks to the Richie's owner for being so supportive! Wall is at 1178 North King Street
Honolulu, HI 96817, and is in shape most of the day.

Dmize BS EV. Seahorse by Look EV.

Inner Turmoil piece by Estria.

Mean.

Katch.

Tako (octopus) by Estria.

Closeup of "A" character by Katch.

Closeup of "T" character by Katch.

Fish by Bieste.

MTN Street Team at Primary Flight Miami

2011-02-02T14:00:00.000-08:00

Official video. MTN street team 2010: Apex, Chor Boogie, Vogue TDK, Neon, Jase, Rime MSK, Bam, and myself.

Vogue and I worked on the characters together on a lift for 5 days straight. We painted into the night with huge lights, a ton of supporters, and a case of bottles of some kind of juice (thank you Amp girls!). Bam handled almost the entire background.

Huge mahalo to @mtncolors for the amazing opportunity, and to Vogue for convincing me to scrap our original concept in favor of this one. Thank you also to videographers Phil Velasco and Marco Svizzero for pulling the long hours to capture the whole experience. And thank you to the crew for waiting the long hours for us to finish.

Samurai Girls

2011-02-01T14:00:00.000-08:00

Samurai Girls I've painted over the past few years. I hope you like them.

Haight Street, San Francisco, 2009

Turk Street, San Francisco, 2009. Tattoos by Chez.

Skateboard, 2009

Oakland 2008, Bam did much of the background.

Club Six, San Francisco 2008, Lettering by Bounce.

Oakland, 2003

Sanctuary on O'ahu

2011-01-27T13:50:00.000-08:00

One of my buddies from 808urban, Dmize, turned me and Bam on to Sanctuary, a hidden abandoned pumping facility on the island of O'ahu. Thought you might appreciate the contrast of nature and civilization. What is the graffiti in these photos?

Follow @dmize225 on Twitter for some interesting perspectives.

TEDxYouth Talk on Writing

2011-01-26T13:50:00.000-08:00

In the fall of 2010 I had the honor to speak to a theatre full of youth at Castilleja School in Palo Alto, CA. As far as I know this was the first TEDx talk on Writing. Thank you so much to everyone who helped me with my speech!

Goser EMT of the Bay Area

2010-12-01T15:39:00.000-08:00

Goser EMT is one of the hot young guns of the San Francisco Bay Area. He's been in our battles in 2009 and 2010. Keep an eye out for this guy.

Denz One Solo Show Dec3-Jan5

2010-11-30T14:33:00.000-08:00

DenzOne Solo Show

Tim Faulkner Gallery
Location 623 E. Market
Louisville, Ky 40204

December 3rd Reception 5PM-Midnight
Show runs until January 5th

If you do not like big booties or bare nekked women, this show is not for you. I'm just guessing, but knowin' Denz....

NYC Train Writer Sade TCM

2010-11-29T16:00:00.000-08:00

Sade TCM is one of those best kept secrets of NYC train writing. Here are some of his recent pieces of the last few years.

MTN Street Team Paints Primary Flight Miami 2010

2010-11-29T15:00:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Top West Coast Graffiti Artists Represent Montana Colors at Primary Flight

November 19, 2010 (Miami, FL) Montana Colors, in partnership with Primary Flight,
will be painting a large 25’x140’ mural during this year’s Art Basel Miami Beach, the nation’s largest art event. Representing Montana Colors are some of California’s top graffiti artists. These living legends are internationally renown for pioneering styles and spray paint techniques. Artists include Apex, Chor Boogie, Estria, Vogue, Neon, Jase, Rime, and Bam. While the mural will showcase some of the most dynamic visual styles the West Coast has to offer, there is an overall theme to draw awareness to the plight of our oceans. The mural will be at 588 North West 24th Street Miami, Florida. Painting will occur from Saturday, November 27 - thursday, December 2, 2010.

About Montana Colors
Montana Colors is the world’s pioneer in designing and creating spray paint specifically for artists. The spirit of innovation, determination and commitment to quality manifests itself in their Hardcore™ brand of decorative coatings for art, home, or industry. Montana Colors has consistently set the benchmark for all artist spray paints brands. Founded in 1994 Montana Colors success is founded on one simple act: listening to their customers.
http://www.mtncolors.com

About Primary Flight
Primary Flight is Miami's original open air museum and street level mural installation that takes place annually throughout the Wynwood Arts District and the Miami Design District. Primary Flight is arguably the world’s largest event of its kind, having featured over 250 world class artists from around the globe since its inception, the majority of whom travel to Miami during Art Basel. Artists from all walks of contemporary art headline our annual event, collaborating on high profile walls throughout Miami’s urban landscape.
http://www.primaryflight.com/

About Art Basel
Art Basel Miami Beach is the most important art show in the United States, a cultural and social highlight for the Americas. As the sister event of Switzerland's Art Basel, the most prestigious art show worldwide for the past 41 years, Art Basel Miami Beach combines an international selection of top galleries with an exciting program of special exhibitions, parties and crossover events featuring music, film, architecture and design. Exhibition sites are located in the city's beautiful Art Deco District, within walking distance of the beach and many hotels.

chorboogie.com
estria.com
voguesworld.com
miketyau.com
jerseyjoeart.com
superburners.com

Official Estria Invitational Video 2010

2010-11-23T15:28:00.000-08:00

Finally! Our video is completed! This has all the finished canvases from the 2010 Estria Invitational Graffiti Battle in Oakland.

As usual this one's by our man, Phil at 360vm.com. Enjoy!

Thank you to all our supporters, partners, crew members, artists and participants! This festival was hot! No beefs, lots of cool folks with their whole families, and the most hugs I've ever had in a day.

Nate 1 x Estria 2010

2010-10-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

Nate 1 is an old school graffiti king from San Francisco who's been painting since the '80s. He was recently one of the judges in our Estria Invitational Graffiti Battle. Although I've known him for years, this is our first time painting together. I really admire his work ethic and hope to collaborate with him more.

This little production was 100% freestyle. The wall is in Oakland in a school yard on 98th Avenue at Birch, and faces east.

"Kirs" by Estria

Nate 1

Nate drafts the plan. Photo by Nate1.

Photo by Nate1.

Photo by Nate1.

Photo by Nate1.

Part VII: Social Media's Impact on Graffiti Culture

2010-10-22T13:45:00.000-07:00

Part Seven in a Series of Questions on Graffiti

7) What do you see as social media's impact on graffiti culture ?

It will help us to get paid and become accepted. There will be "fake" graffiti artists and sellouts, but there will always be a core group who are true to the art form, just like rock and roll, skateboarding or any other sub-culture. – Katch One, Hawai’i naturalkoncept.com

Online is the new way to get your stuff out there, plus dudes are watching. - Dontay TC5

It's just another way to promote. It may make graffiti trendy, but the Kings will be Kings and toys will be toys! - Satyr Lords flickr.com/photos/lordsatyr1

Good for graffiti artists, bad for graffiti magazines. Because of social media you have more than one option to get your work published. It is actually creating a new era of graffiti. Because of this the game is not the same. – Statik (Chicago, IL) statikone.net

Exposure and acknowledgement by the mainstream that graffiti/writing is an art form. On a negative side the new jacks want to get in the galleries and books so bad that they are not maximizing their skills to the highest potential. [sic] - Sero FBA FC (Miami, FL)

It can bring like-minded individuals and cultures together to grow a stronger and more successful community so all can benefit, or it can divide and infiltrate war among people who struggle with insecurities and are unable to work through their differences. Use it for good or use it for bad; to each their own. – Toofly tooflynyc.com theyounity.com

I see alotta cats posting flicks tied to their real name which isn’t smart at all, or heard stories of kids getting tagged in photos, another move that isn’t so bright. I think you just have to be more aware of how many people do see and surf the net. It’s a lot easier to get fame by hitting every site, bloggin’ and hitting all the message boards. Bottom line is people are going to like what they like, so if it’s good the public is going to respond and if it’s bad they definitely are going to respond LOL. – Sket sket-one.com

The craziest impact is due to access and promotion. Whoever promotes the most and gets the most mention gets the most fame, even if they're showing the same five pieces. – Sade (NYC) gabrielfantauzzi.com

It just helps the scene to share styles and it make it stronger and stronger. – Scien & Klor (Montreal, Canada) http://www.flickr.com/photos/kingscien/ 123klan.com

Mobilizing, publicizing and fantasizing. – KLTA

With the internet becoming an integral part of our daily lives, we see graff in a larger spectrum of personal and political splashes of vibrant color. Graff is giving voice to those who have no other recourse from small town communities to war torn countries. - Priz TS5 (NYC)

Commercialization of the art, made up history, and praise to false kings. – Tatu, founder of Xmen (NYC)

Survival of the fittest separates the Kings and Queens from the herd. – Risk WCA 7th Letter (Los Angeles) riskrock.com

I come from a really geographically isolated place and so the internet played a huge part in putting my art out there for people to see. Part of me feels resistant to new technology as it evolves and I have definitely experienced the negatives with forums and speaking your 'opinion' online because of the extent it can be misinterpreted. It's true that at times it's a lot more effective to say nothing but it’s also good to keep an open mind about the way socialization changes with internet media. – Askew TMD (New Zealand) askew1.com

A new level of getting up; it’s a double edge sword, use it wisely and it can be a good thing. I love the fact that I can see what someone rocked half way around the world the same day they did it, or when I’m lazy I can check out a wall a couple of miles away. - Vyal

Whatever one thinks or believes about graffiti today, it is a business, a big one. You can be a part or not. You can make fun of cheesy graffiti styled products filling the shelves of major stores but absolutely understand that money is being paid for all of it. The world doesn’t care about graffiti history, style kings or even who is good or not. The “un-graffiti” minded world thinks we all do the same art, think the same and may only be about a dozen or million of us who do it. Social media dumbs down the viewer, it’s our responsibility to educate the unknowing, not continue teaching the supporters. We have to raise our game constantly to keep the craft alive. – Erni Vales evlworld.com

Estria Battle Paint Jam 2010

2010-10-21T13:45:00.000-07:00

One of the events we threw as part of the "Come to Conquer" 2010 Graffiti Event Series was a day-long paint jam. The day's line up included: Brisk GM5 IBM, Crayone TWS, Wand TM7, Twick ICP, Eon 75, Satyr Lords, Pest3, Prime, Dmize, Look, Bam, Dime VE, Cuba ICP, Amend TDK, Erin Yoshi, Vyal LOD COI, and Ezra One.

Lip smackin' food was provided by Farmer Brown SF and Papalodown.

Thank you to Elmhurst Community Prep and Alliance Academy for supporting the jam. The campus got 18 new pieces in one day.

Wand TM7 ICP and Twick ICP

Wand TM7 ICP of San Francisco

Twick ICP of San Francisco

Erin Yoshi TYS and Vyal COI LOD of Los Angeles

Vyal One

Dime of Visual Element in Oakland

Cuba ICP of Baltimore and San Francisco

Satyr Lords of San Francisco

Amend TDK of Oakland

Pest 3 808 of Hawai'i and Seattle

Look EV 808 and Dmize BS 808 of Hawai'i

Ezra One of Los Angeles

Max Erhman Eon 75 of Florida and San Francisco

Brisk GM5 IBM of San Diego and Estria of Hawai'i

Fury One for head of SF Zulu

2010-10-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

Having a party-fundraiser. Trying to get to NY with my broke ass to make my upcoming position as chapter leader of "All Tribes Universal Zulu Nation" official.

Good music, $3 beers, discount bowling and breakdancers! Please come. If you got a coupla bucks to throw in the hat, great. If not, would still love to see you.

First twenty $20 donations get an original Fury painting.

Peace,
Erik FURY

Katch x Vogue x Just195 x Bounce x Mean x Bam x Estria

2010-10-20T13:45:00.000-07:00

Little freestyle jam. Mural is located at 98th Avenue at Birch St in Oakland, CA on the campus of Elmhurst. Wall faces southeast. There are now 18 walls with murals in the school yard.

Character on left by Bounce, Aloha shirt character by Estria, character on right by Katch

Toad by Bam, top piece by Just 195, Pak piece on bottom by Vogue, weird woman by me

Top piece by Mean, bottom piece by Ozwego

Prime x Estria x Dmize x Look

2010-10-19T13:45:00.000-07:00

Been wanting to paint the word "Stretch" for a while. Someone once told me Estria with an accent on the 'i' was stretch mark, so my name meant to stretch or expand.

Uncle Prime, big and fast

Dmize BS 808 (Argh. I hate posting blurry pictures, but it's all I've got.)

Look EV

My favorite photo of the day.

Oakland Battle Results 2010

2010-10-15T13:45:00.000-07:00

1st Place Winner, Vyal One LOD of Los Angeles

We had another successful battle on October 3, 2010 in Oakland, CA at deFremery Park (Little Bobby Hutton Park). We had a fantastic turnout full of families and smiles. Amazing art work was created by the contestants.

Helping me with the judging were California legends Crayone TWS, Brisk GM5 IBM, Spie FC TDK and Nate1 MPC.

A big MAHALO! to all the contestants and judges for participating and repping with style and class.

Thank you to all our partners and sponsors. Without them the "Come to Conquer" Graffiti Event Series would not have been possible.

Youth Speaks, MTN North America, 1:AM Gallery SF, Hard Knock Radio, Oaksterdam, Eastside Arts Alliance, Business Improvement District of Oakland, Oakland Art Murmur, Elmhurst Community Prep, Alliance Academy, Pueblo Nuevo Gallery, Liege Spirit Lounge, Papalodown.

Tribal Streetwear, Tools of the Trade, Xprmnt Clothing, Gigio, Kinder's Fremont, Farmer Brown SF, Goody Goodie Cream & Sugar, Miette, Soulciety, Zulu SF Chapter, Natural Koncept, United Playaz.

Extra special thank you to:

The entire Estria Battle crew. Y'all rocked!
All the volunteers who made life better for the painters.
Nancy Hernandez for heading the t-shirt stencil workshop.
Jose Garcia for heading the blackbook battle.
Jeremy and Black Creek Builders for our new, reusable metal cubes.
Harry Kim for doing the Skype Q&A with the audience at the Can Film Fest.
Salwa, Chris and Carly for making the Great Wall of Oakland happen.
Amy and Oaksterdam for the most unforgettable Pecha Kucha night ever.
Siloette and Dime for representing for the ladies with pieces the crowd loved.
All the contestants and friends who came from afar to support the events.
All the fans who gave so much aloha to the artists and presenters.

2nd Place Winner, Jher of Denver

Kier of Salt Lake City and Costa Rica

Siloette of San Francisco

Lango of San Francisco and Brazil

Prime 808 of Hawai'i

Goser of San Francisco

Ezra of Los Angeles

Kode of the Bay Area

Swype of San Jose

Look EV of Hawai'i

Tenfold DE of San Francisco

Dime VE of Oakland

Daz KS of Oakland

Satyr Lords of San Francisco

Twick ICP of San Francisco

Defending champ, Vogue TDK of Oakland. (If anyone has a better photo, please contact us.)

King 157 RTM of San Jose. (If anyone has a better photo, please contact us.)

Emagn of Sacramento

Wand TM7 of San Francisco

J-Pop Festival 2010 Live Painting

2010-09-24T13:45:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite things I've painted in the past year. So fun; you have to smile when you look at it.

Did a quick thumbnail the night before.

Many thanks to Catherine-Mercedes Judge for passing out flyers and being the info-woman.

Bay Area talent, Hopie Spits Hard, with her J-Pop pose, before performing with Dj Snayk Eyz

Host for the day, Olivia Speranza of Myx TV, generously interviewing me between sets.

This band from Japan was amazing! That little Japanese lady sang '70s soul like you wouldn't believe.

Thank you to Beth Crawford for making the live painting event happen. Thank you to New People for an awesome festival. Check out New People's photostream on flickr.com and you will see all the wild fashion and costumes people wore.

Estria x Hex x Bounce

2010-09-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

Hex came into town for the weekend, so Bounce shared a new wall with us. This was a quick freestyle jam in Oakland on the 4200 block of Broadway.

Bounce, unfinished.

Cesali's first time painting. With the MTN 94s, she had no drips or runs.

Hex is organized!

Estria for Abercrombie

2010-09-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a video I found of me, advocating for Neil Abercrombie. I think I look ridiculous. Good for a laugh.

Go vote today, Saturday, September 18, 2010 if you are registered in Hawai'i.

Katch x Rival x Meut TDK x Estria Paint the Vote2010

2010-09-17T21:10:00.000-07:00

To all my Hawaiian brothers and sisters out there, go to the polls tomorrow, Saturday Sept 17, 2010 and go vote for Neil Abercrombie. You won't be sorry. "Braddah, you no vote, den no grumble!"

Paint the Vote was an event organized by the Neil Abercrombie team and myself to reach other demographics involved with the election. People brought their own belonging, which we painted on for free. It was a great event.

Photos by Ricky Li, Ed Morita and HaynMade.

@williemaze rockin' a hat for someone.

State Senator, Carol Fukunaga showed up to support, and I painted her brand new shoes.

Josh Levinson scored. He brought 2 blank canvases for me and Katch to paint FOR FREE!

Katch painted the back of this helmet. He didn't sign it though. For the folks that collect photos of all of Katch's work, this is a rare one.

Yikes! I painted the front.

The following Munny photos are by twitter.com/HaynMade Check out his blog.

KITV 4 News coverage Estria x Abercrombie

2010-09-17T12:04:00.000-07:00

Estria x Abercrombie x MTN

2010-09-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

This is the finished video time lapse of the mural painting I did for Neil Abercrombie. Neil is was a Congressman for Hawaii for 20 years, and stepped down to run for Governor of Hawai'i. I like this guy. I hope he brings some fresh change to the islands.

A big mahalo to Mark Wolf, who shot and produced the video. Mahalo to Prime 808 without whom I could not have finished the mural on time. Mahalo also to all my friends and fans who came out to support! I think I owe a lot of lunches.

Actress Kelly Hu lovin' the Abercrombie

Rome Won x Tsel One Art Show at Glitch Gallery

2010-09-13T13:45:00.000-07:00

“If these Walls Could Talk”, An Introduction and Evolution to Graffiti Art

Opening Reception
September 18, 2010
6pm-12am

Show runs 9/18-10/30
Glitch Gallery
Elmhurst, Il
www.glitchgallery.com
Roz Long 630.279.0035
www.rglmarketingforthearts.com

Featuring works by Chicago and New York graffiti artists:
“ROME WON” has been a graffiti artist for over 20 years. His murals have been featured in art projects underwritten by the CTA, Amtrak, Chicago Cultural Art Center, and art galleries in New York and Los Angeles.
“TSELONE ” has been painting his style of graffiti art for over 26 years. Nino has become one of the foremost pioneers of Aztec/Graffiti Art. He started in the alleys and streets on the North Side of Chicago.
Alex Espinosa found his influence from Picasso and other artists from the Cubism movement. His Graffiti Art form is very well known in the Miami Art Scene.
“UNEEK” a Graffiti artist from the1980’s who now expresses his style of art through woodworking that includes furniture featuring scroll work, set design, fabrications, and custom art framing.

There will also be an interactive art performance and auction

Katch x Vogue x Prime x Rome x Bam x Estria

2010-09-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

In 2009 the day after my battle event, I took some of the artists to rock a little private jam. Paints courtesy of MTN North America. Video by Phil Velasco, iphilms.net

Katch One, Bam, Ozwego, Prime 808, Ckaweeks and myself of Hawaii
Rome Won and Gape of Chicago
Erin Yoshi TYS, Just 195 of LA
Vogue TDK and Bounce TYS of the Bay Area

Vogue x Amend x Bam in Oakland, CA

2010-08-31T16:44:00.000-07:00

MTN Colors x Vogue TDK Paint Tutorial

2010-08-30T12:24:00.000-07:00

Some great rendering techniques using MTN 94 spray paint by master technician, Vogue TDK.

Part One

Part Two

Science Customs Bodyboard Design Contest

2010-08-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

Science Customs is a highly respected bodyboard company run by Mike Stewart and Alistair Taylor, two legends in the bodyboarding world. They held a design contest, got some awesome entries, and today announced the winners.

Mike Stewart isn't just a living legend, he's a genuinely cool guy. It was an honor to help him out with this. It was humbling to be invited to be on this panel of judges. (Thanks John Koga!)

Check out vote.sciencecustoms.com for the full contest details.

The judges included:
Murray Bell / Design is Kinky
Nick Bower / Creative Director, Stussy Deluxe
Mark Cunningham / Lifeguard, Bodysurfer, Legendary Waterman
John Koga / Artist
Aaron "Angry Woebot" Martin / Artist
Allison Wong / Executive Director of The Contemporary Museum, Honolulu
and myself

Here are the top five:

1. 3d03

2. Reverse S

3. Z

4. Skull

5. Big Bang

Here were my other choices, they didn't win, but they are cool.

About Science Customs
Science Customs is a collaboration between 9 time world bodyboarding champ, Mike Stewart, and 8 time South African bodyboarding champ, Alistair Taylor. Together these two riders possess a wealth of experience second-to-none in the bodyboarding world. Science customs are hand-made in Hawaii with careful attention to detail for the discerning bodyboarder who expects the very best from his/her equipment. They are harder and more time consuming to build than standard bodyboards, but the result is better performance, better durability, and about as close to perfection in a product as you could ever wish for.

B3@K Art Show in Honolulu

2010-08-16T11:13:00.000-07:00

B3@k Art Show at Prototype in Ala Moana Shopping Center
Honolulu, HI
Saturday, August 21, 2010
6-9PM

During my last trip back to Hawaii, I got a call from a very enthusiastic street artist named B3@K (Beak). He wanted to collaborate on some canvases. I have admired his work on the streets, so heck yeah, I wanted to meet the guy. Turns out to be a very cool guy; humble and committed to his art.

Here is an exclusive sneak peak of some of the gems in his upcoming one-man show, and a rare glimpse into this reclusive artist. You definitely don't want to miss this. He will be showing more than what you see here. His discipline and commitment show through in his work. Keep an eye on this guy!

Yes, those are paint can lids.

Handmade patches

B3@K's collection of plastic birds

B3@K's paint marker case

Sock dolls. The red one's mine!

These are awesome.

Mayonnaise jar

One purse from a series

This shelf says it all.

Here's our first canvas, in progress

Our second canvas, in progress

Art Show: Friends With Knives at Crewest

2010-08-06T17:04:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Luna George
818.235.4598
luna@crewest.com

PRESS RELEASE
July/23/2010

Friends with Knives
On view from August 7th through August 29th, 2010
Opening Reception: Saturday, August 7th, 2010 from 6-9pm

"Self Portrait" By Kolezar

Los Angeles, CA – Having evolved from the first stencils recorded in human history, where hands were placed on cave walls and spit upon with watered paint pigments, to the now more multilayered, complex, political, and emotional stencils of today; stencil graffiti and stencil art is making its way into the art world as a growing genre that is captivating art lover’s and collectors world wide. To showcase this growing genre for art lovers and collectors alike, Crewest Gallery is proud to present Friends With Knives, a cutting edge stencil art exhibition curated by PaperMonster, featuring a collection of outstanding and intricately detailed works by world class stencil artists: Blek le Rat, Broken Crow, Chris Stain, Dave Lowell, E.L.K, Greg Boudreau, HAHA, Henry Quiara, Joe Iurato, Koleszar, Leckomio, Mefee, Nathan Phaneuf, PaperMonster, Peat Wollaeger, Scotch and Shai Dahan.

A broad range of stencil graffiti styles including photorealism, political, pop, abstract, and those focusing purely on beauty will be on display. Emerging and established artists will be on view side by side as a testament of the history, evolution and future of stencil art. Artists in this exhibit form a collective that defines the power and beauty of stencil art which continues to drive one of the fastest growing street art movements throughout the world. In attendance on Opening Night will be exhibiting artists Greg Boudreau, Henry Quiara, Koleszar, Nathan Phaneuf and Scotch.

"Saul Williams" by E.L.K.

In the Featured Artist Room:

Chaz Bojorquez

Installation by the godfather of graffiti in LA, Chaz Bojorquez. Bojorquez’s symbol or “tag”, created in 1969, was a stylized skull called Senor Suerte inspired by Mexican folklore and especially by the cult of Holy Death, and is one of the first examples of stencil art applied to the street and it subsequently became an image for protection against death among the street gangs. Bojórquez was one of the first writers to employ special typographical characters, creating an original synthesis of psychedelic style, Fraktur and Chinese calligraphy.

Chaz will be present on opening night to autograph copies of his new book:"The Art and Life Of Chaz Bojorquez"

----
About the Friends with Knives Artists:

• Banksy in his unofficial biography famously said of Blek Le Rat, “Everytime I think I've painted something original I find out that Blek Le Rat has done it as well, only 20 years earlier'. Blek Le Rat often described as the Godfather of Stencil Art was the first to use stencils for silhouettes on the streets of Paris, he has been investigating the urban space for over 28 years and still continues to inspire urban artists all over the world.
• PaperMonster’s vivid and intricate pieces explore the beauty behind the eyes and facial expressions of women.
• Broken Crow's art features various animals and anthropomorphic humanoids in crazy colors and extreme sizes. Through painting they seek to reintroduce wild animals back into urban habitats, writing their own mythologies as they go.
• Chris Stain’s work and its themes find a kinship with the American social-realist movement of the early 20th century.
• Kolezar experiments with things like color, detail and scale to challenge preconceptions of what can be accomplished with stenciling.
• Nathan Phaneuf focuses on more minimal pieces that accentuate the women he photographs for his pieces produced using the underlying wood as the main skin tone and negative space for his stencils.
• Shai Dahan is recognized for his talent of hand painting skateboards as well as creating his animalguns designs on the streets of Los Angeles and New York using stencils, wheatpastes and other mediums as well.
• Peat Wollaeger (stenSOUL) is internationally known stencil artist famous for his signature EYEZ , raw colorful characters and stencil videos.
• Dave Lowell works with a combination of multi-layer stencils and freehand spraying.
• E.L.K is fast becoming well respected amongst his peers and in much demand nationally for his approach to photo-realistic stenciling.
• By using multi-layered stencils of up to 60 layers HAHA’s work is a reflection of Austrailian popular culture.
• Joe Iurato just launched a new series of portraits featuring a selection of musicians performing the famous song “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess.
• Henry Quiara is an artist/designer of lowbrow, urban contemporary and counter culture art.
• Greg Boudreau specializes in making the ordinary extraordinary.
• Mefee, a true definition of an anomaly. Mefee works as a scarification artists providing surgical implants underneath the skin in which his skill with a scalpol is easily transfered into his stencil work creating precision cut pieces.
• Leckomio’s works deal with street art and graffiti as a subject, as shown by B-boys or the hyper-realistic representation of urban landscapes tagged for sky to bitumen.
• Scotch! continues to push for new techniques/ideas that people of all ages & genres can enjoy.

By Blek le Rat

Exhibiting Artists: Blek le Rat, Broken Crow, Chris Stain, Dave Lowell, E.L.K, Greg Boudreau, HAHA, Henry Quiara, Joe Iurato, Koleszar, Leckomio, Mefee, Nathan Phaneuf, PaperMonster, Peat Wollaeger, Scotch, Shai Dahan

Artist Websites

Chaz Bojorquez: http://www.chazbojorquez.com
Blek le Rat: http://bleklerat.free.fr/
Broken Crow: http://brokencrow.com
Chris Stain: http://www.chrisstain.com
Dave Lowell: http://www.flickr.com/photos/davelowell/
E.L.K: http://myspace.com/elkstencils
Greg Boudreau: http://www.gregboudreau.com
HAHA: http://www.regantamanui.com
Henry Quiara: http://www.artficionado.blogspot.com
Joe Iurato: http://www.joeiurato.com
Koleszar: http://www.koleszar.com
Leckomio: http://www.stefanwinterle.de/
Mefee: http://www.mefee.org
Nathan Phaneuf: http://www.nathanphaneuf.com/
PaperMonster: http://papermonster.wordpress.com
Peat Wollaeger: http://www.stenSOUL.com
Scotch: http://www.myspace.com/el_scotcho
Shai Dahan : http://www.Abztract.com

Important Dates:

Opening Reception
August 7th, 2010 from 6-9pm with Live music by DJ Phyz Ed.

Artwalk Event
August 12th, 2010 from 6-9pm with Live music by DJ Phyz Ed.

Last Day for Exhibit
August 29, 2010

Bios and images are available by request.

Crewest
110 Winston St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
ph | 213-627-8272

Crewest is a gallery that supports some of the most talented underground artists from the West Coast and beyond. The gallery's focus is on urban & graffiti art created through painting, sculpture, digital, and print medias. All of the exhibits housed at Crewest deal with what is current, and significant within the realm of the urban art experience. Hours of operation are Tues. thru Thurs.: noon – 7pm, Fri. and Sat.: 12pm -8pm, Sun.: Noon – 6pm and Closed Mondays (except by appointment only). Visit the gallery online at: www.crewest.com.

Curator: PaperMonster is a stencil graffiti artist who’s vivid and intricate pieces explore the beauty behind the eyes and facial expressions of women. Born in Puerto Rico, PaperMonster incorporates stencil and pasting techniques to create pieces of art on any surface by incorporating pop culture icons, Asian typography, patterns and texture to present vibrant emotions and stories. His work allows the audience to take his creations for pure face value or explore deeper into each piece. Visit PaperMonster online at: http://papermonster.wordpress.com.

Rome Won x Gape x Denz in Houston

2010-07-20T16:24:00.000-07:00

Rome Won, Gape and Denz have an art show in Houston at Aerosol Warfare Gallery.
Friday, July 23, 2010
7-11pm one night only
2110 Jefferson at Hutchins
EaDO Houston TX 77003

Rome Won is an old schooler from Chicago. He was a judge in two of our Estria Invitational Battles in 2oo9.

Gape competed in our Oakland Battle in 2009.

And Denz is just the super letterist! Don't miss it.

Thirdrail Graffiti Art Show NYC 7/17/10

2010-07-12T15:41:00.000-07:00

Graffiti NYC:
Artists of the Third Rail

Featuring:
Dondi
Stay High 149
Noc 167
Jamestop
Cap
Martha Cooper
Sonic
Dil
Spar
Pnut
2esae
Ski
Jamel Shabazz
Snake1
Bama
Clyde
Richard Hambleton
JA

Saturday July 17, 2010
6PM-12AM
Benrimon Contemporary Gallery
514 W. 24th Street.
NY, NY

You must RSVP to graffitinyctv@gmail.com

Artefacts Art Show in NYC Curated by Indie 184

2010-07-12T15:17:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York, NY – TT Underground is pleased to present Artefacts, an exploration into the work of 12 artists who come from a history in public art and have excelled in contemporary art. The exhibit will explore graffiti, portraiture, calligraphy, urban dwelling and political statements. Focusing on large canvases, prints, photography, illustration and graphic art.

FEATURING:
Shepard Fairey, Mister Cartoon, Swoon, Koralie, Lin “Quik” Felton, James & Karla Murray, Cope2, Owen Dippie, Rime MSK, Estevan Oriol, Clayton Patterson, Katsu and Faust.

“ARTEFACTS: Inherent elements of Urban Arts”
OPENING RECEPTION: Thursday, July 15, 2010
7pm – 11pm
LOCATION: TT Underground Gallery at Toy Tokyo, 91 Second Avenue, Lower level

Artefacts, is curated by Indie184, will be on view from July 15, 2010 through July 29, 2010.

ARTIST LINKS:
Shepard Fairey // www.obeygiant.com
Mister Cartoon // www.mistercartoon.com
Swoon // gothamist.com/2010/05/07/swoon_artist_1.php
Koralie // www.koralie.net
Lin “QUIK” Felton // www.quiknyc.com
James & Karla Murray // www.urbanimagephotography.com
Cope2 // www.cope2.net
Owen Dippie // owendippie.blogspot.com
Rime MSK // www.jerseyjoeart.com
Estevan Oriol // www.estevanoriol.com
Clayton Paterson // www.claytonpattersonles.com
Katsu // http://chunnel.tv/street/854/powers-of-katsu/
Faust // http://missrosen.wordpress.com/2010/06/02/faust-willoughby-windows/

ABOUT THE GALLERY:
TTUnderground emerged in June 2010 as the new Toy Tokyo Gallery Space. Its roots were forged in the journey that began with The Showroom NYC, in the fall of 2004, as a unique venue to explore the connection of pop art culture with the world of designer toys. The genre encompasses a wide range of artists who choose to display their works on various mediums including clothing, vinyl toys, canvas, and even film. Originally this realm was most popularized in Japan, China, and Hong Kong. Now the combination of art and the limited edition toy is main stream in the United States. TTUnderground strives to continue the expansion and growth of the intersection of pop art and designer toys through exhibition and special art events.

ABOUT THE CURATOR:
Indie184 is a graffiti artist hailing from Washington Heights, New York City. Growing up all over NYC she began to participate in the graffiti culture in 2001. Determined to express herself to the world through art, she taught herself how to sew, paint and produce graphic design. She is known for her simple playful feminine graffiti style lettering. You can find her graffiti pieces from the South Bronx to Berlin. Indie’s graffiti was featured the record breaking Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto IV video game. Her current endeavors include directing her streetwear brand Kweenz Destroy, curating art exhibitions and producing graphic design work for her partner Cope2, Pro-Keds, Super Rad Toys and recently collaborated with Bic Plastics toy company.

CONTACT:
For more information please contact Kenny Levarek, Gallery Director, TT Underground at:
Ken@tt-underground.com or Indie@indie184.com

GALLERY HOURS: 2pm – 7pm Daily

THE FIGHT AGAINST SB 1070

2010-07-02T13:47:00.000-07:00

"THE FIGHT AGAINST SB 1070 AND WHY GRAFFITI NEEDS TO BE INVOLVED"
by Matthew J
Reprinted with permission by the author.

“What we need is awareness; we can’t get careless
You say, what is this?
My beloved let’s get down to business
mental self defensive fitness...
make everybody see, in order to fight the powers that be...”
-- Chuck D (of Public Enemy) from the song, Fight The Power

In the State of Arizona, there is a proposed bill called, SB 1070 which if passed, on July 28th 2010, would give law enforcement the right to stop, ID, arrested, and possibly deport any person(s) whom they believe to be a so-called “illegal alien”. This green-light to stop or interrogate a person is based on [the officer’s] suspicion that an individual is “illegal”. This means if they feel you look “illegal” you can stopped. Furthermore, if you have a brown or darker complexion, you are "illegal" in the eyes of this law. Even people of darker complexion who are “legal citizens” born and raised in Arizona can be stopped by the police and if they do not present proper documentation -upon request- proving their “legal status” that individual can be arrested and fined. Indicting people based on their colour reminds me of something from the Jim Crow-era of "American justice".

The Governor of Arizona, Jan Brewer claims that racial profiling will not be tolerated in her State yet she personally signed the bill which is overtly racist and discriminatory?? During a televised press conference when asked to explain what an “illegal alien” looks like Governor Brewer said, “I do not know what an illegal immigrant looks like. I can tell that I think there are people in Arizona who assume they know what an illegal immigrant looks like. I don’t know if they know that for a fact or not.” That should be raising alarms, people. When the politician who endorses bill SB 1070 cannot explain its language, you know that something wrong is in effect. We are not dealing with logical individuals.

We live in a time where few people in the position to speak out on such matters are handling their responsibilities. Where are the leaders? It is now socially acceptable to “go with the flow” and not make waves. We’re told to be politically correct, yet our lawmakers are not following that ideology.
Next to music, graffiti is one of the oldest and most accessible forms of artistic expression on the planet. Yet this form of expression has been criminalized and vilified due to its inability to be part of the mainstream. I know this may seem silly, but for the sake of further explaining this message, I will draw loose comparisons between the culture of graffiti and the citizens affected by bill SB 1070.

Both entities are considered “bad” by the mainstream (we are called “vandals” while migrants are dubbed “illegal”). We are both judged passed on appearance and treated as if we are unwanted. The only time [mainstream] society accepts us is when they need something done for their benefit. We are used to both buy and sell their products ... to market their goods ... to elect their politicians ... and even, at times, to make them [the mainstream] appear more tolerant and caring, when in reality we know that is a lie. Only when it helps the mainstream are we looked at as “valuable”. It doesn't take a genius to see what is up.

I sense that too many within graffiti have allowed society to make them feel unwanted, unimportant, and undervalued. It has happened to such a degree that many "big name" artists declined to be part of this project due to the fact that "graffiti is not well respected" and any participation from our culture could, "do more damage than good."

Why is it so hard for graffiti artists/sites/companies/brand/etc. to step up and speak out against this bill? How can so many “rebels” who claim to “keep it real” be so passive when it’s time to defend the rights of others? How can one culture be “bad-ass” enough to tag up cities and then so willingly be so silent when something this SERIOUS is taking place? We cannot pick and choose our fights; that's a luxury no person should ever enjoy. We –within the culture- must not pick and choose the way we fight.

We have to get involved, but we must do it correctly. Anybody can write, “F*CK SB 1070” on a building but that has no lasting affect; it’s meaningless. We need to use our talents to express a message that is both thought-provoking and TRUTHFUL; this is where the artistry is found. Social change does not benefit from anarchy. We need to organize and form coalitions, support networks, and more outreach programs.

In life, silence is too convenient. Let’s make some noise and show the State of Arizona- through our words and our PRODUCTIVE actions- that this bill is not acceptable and that no person should ever be called “illegal”. We have the numbers, the creativity, and I believe the ability to make the mainstream recognize what is happening. A culture cannot represent the people; however, the people can represent a culture. Our culture is graffiti, and no matter how much some dislike that word, it is built on making something out of nothing ... taking a negative and producing a beautiful positive.

I feel it is our responsibility to represent those who are being misrepresented. This situation is bigger than talking about our individual crews, more crucial than who is a “king” or “toy”, and far more important than our geographic locations. This is about a perverse governing body trying to make a particular segment of people “illegal” based on their colour, race, and appearance. Indicting people because of their appearance is a terrifying act and for graffiti to not empathize is equally terrifying.

History is full of examples proving that terrible things happen when people say nothing. Examples: Nazi Germany, Apartheid South Africa, and modern-day Palestine. Is it hyperbole for me to write this? Is it more acceptable to do nothing?? Am I wrong for approaching this matter in the way that I am? Am I doing more harm than good? Time reveals all things so to quote a great man I will say that, “history will absolve me.” But will it absolve graffiti if we all remain silent? Most importantly will the people affected by this bill be absolved if we do nothing? If we stay in our imaginary “comfort zones”, saying nothing, than those affected by this racist bill will not be absolved nor will they get justice.

In closing, no person should ever be called “illegal”. No law which wrongfully attempts to obstruct an individual’s right to pursue a better life should ever be labeled “acceptable”. And lastly, no group/culture/community, with the scope of influence which graffiti possesses, should passively sit by and be quiet in the face of such an injustice.

Now you know what’s up. It’s time to wake up, people. Everybody has the ability to do something. We need to raise awareness, help spread the word, and organize. No matter where we live on this planet and no matter what nationality we claim, this brand of injustice affects all of us, one way or another. We have to get involved!!

-- Matthew J

Robots and Tikis in Petaluma

2010-06-29T00:54:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Bam and I drove up to Petaluma, CA to complete a mural in the backyard of our friend, Pusky. It’s a blend of Kikaida robot superheroes, tikis, and Hawaii; things dear to Pusky and his family. We hope you enjoy this one.

Whole shot of Tiki Barn mural. This is the view from the deck.

Tiki on the left by me. I like the vines a lot, and how the tiki makes the door disappear somewhat. That’s a glass window in the middle of the door.

Bijinda from the Japanese ‘70s Kikaida TV series. She uses her harp as a weapon, and magically turns into a bed of flowers. The wife of this household is a professional harpist so I had to be pretty accurate on the string colors and arrangement.

Lettering by Bam, painted by me.

Kikaida 0-1, the hero of the TV series. Throwing up an Aloha sign, shaka! He’s got his full pint of Lagunitas brew, WTF? and his magic mushrooms. Original sketch by Bam, and painted by both of us. This is my favorite Kikaida character I’ve ever painted. I really like the eyes and the clear mechanical parts.

Tiki on the right, sketched by Bam, painted by me.

Helliconia and vines. These are the kinds of plants you would see in Mike Bam’s back yard in Nuuanu, Oahu. The man of the house is a classmate of ours from Hawaii. We wanted the plants and Hawaiiana to help connect Pusky and his daughters with their Native Hawaiian heritage. That little Heart, S+H is for Steve (Pusky) and Heather.

The Hibiscus flower in the right ear means she’s single.

Pink Plumeria, orange Ilima and yellow Hibiscus all grow in Hawaii.

Bijinda’s boobs shoot ray beams. I made them into spray can nozzles.

This is as far as we got to making a preliminary sketch.

The little painters are ready.

Teaching Ruby some basics.

Mike Bam working out his Kikaida sketch freestyle.

Sometimes life is good. A pint of Lagunitas WTF? on tap.

Estria Elvis here to rock. Maybe I shouldn’t have had that beer.

K’den, bruddah! Til next time, Aloooooha!

Part VI: The Top 5 All-Time Favorite Writers

2010-06-28T00:47:00.000-07:00

Part Six in a Series of Questions on Graffiti

6) Who are your top 5 all-time favorite writers?

I have often wondered who some of my favorite writers’ inspirations are. I went around and asked them. Feel free to add your favorites in the comments section.

Bio Tats: Lee, Seen, Dondi, Comet and Blade.

Sade TCM: Blade, Dondi, Seen UA, Duster, Skeme. TKid, Ces and Bio are my alternates on this list for burners and style.

Spade FBA: Doze, Duster, Flight, Seen and Dondi.

Tatu Xmen: Dondi, Blade, Seen, Lee and IZ the Wiz.

Dontay TC5: Dondi CIA, Riff170, Part One, Chain3rd, Kool131, Noc167, Case2.

Cope2: Mitch77, Dez, Blade, Seen and JA!

Indie184: Seen, Serve, West, Cope2 and Case2 ...bonus: Revok

Priz TS5: 2-Mad, Jean13, Part, Zephyr and Noc-167.

Stan TS5: Noc 167, Part 1, and Chain 3rd for style. Blade TC5 and Lee for concepts.

Demer Wallnuts: IZ the Wiz (RIP), Baby 168, Part TDS, Ree2, and me...lol.

Erni Vales:
1. Mitch 77, unsung all around badass.
2. Lee, not only for obvious reasons but because I grew up in the building next to his and had more access to stories and art from him than most others from further away.
3. Gil aka Sizer, my Graff partner who consistently challenged my style, technique, sense of self and success.
4. Crash, for helping me get my work into the 1980s gallery scene when he never had to, graffiti artists are so reluctant to help others who aren’t down with their immediate posse.
5. My 5th I have to give up to the dozens of younger, passionate and enthusiastic worldwide graffiti artists who keep the spirit and energy alive, reminding me to constantly keep getting as good as I can.

Denz: Doves, Does, Chino, Cope, and Trixter from Chicago.

Rome Won: Futura 2000, Daim, Dondi, East, Pose.

Statik: Dondi, Ces, Crayola, Mear One, Daim.

Kuaze: Old skool NY: Seen, Duster, Kaze, Bio, Dondi. Present day: East, Sneke, Pose, Ges, Kem.

Exhaust: Dems Porno Stars, Yesb, Dare, Logan, Eaz.

Ezra One: Ces (NYC), Charlie DTK, Tempt STN, Bates, Emit & East.

Risk: Revok, Rime, Pose, Ewok and Abel.

Vyal One: Duster UA, Dondi, Slick, Dream (RIP), Twist.

Wany: Mode2, Dare, Toast, Revok, Askew.

Scien & Klor: Dondi CIA, Tkid, Wane TC5, Dems, Roid MSK.

Sket: Phase2, Seen, Shame 125, Sento, Eros 16t5.

Brisk:
Hand-styles: Temptone, Joker, Bates, Oiler, Zodak, Twist
Pieces: Zeno SBA, Dyse, Dero, Risk, Quasar, Charlie, Bates
Characters: Zodak, Twist, Slick, Mode2, Doze, Hex

Eukarezt: Dream TDK, Katch, Twist, Os Gemeos, Mr Eternity.

East3: Phase 2, Mike Dream, Totem, Saber, Doze Green.

Katch One Nasa: Claude Monet, Futura, Seen, Sub.

My favorite kind of writer: humble, respectful, conscious, positive and genuine. – Prime 808

Part V: What Does it Take to be a King/Queen?

2010-06-27T00:39:00.000-07:00

Part Five in a Series of Questions on Graffiti

4)What does it take to become a queen/king in this game?

I asked this question to gather advice for anyone starting out in graffiti writing or street art. What I got was advice that applies to anything we do in life.

Do you. Forget the labels and sh*t. It's all just a way to pressure you to somehow fit in. That's how you get indoctrinated into gangs and end up doing someone else’s bidding. I know; I been there, seen it, done it. Now I do sh*t for me and my fam, not because they tell me I gotta do it. There are way too many so-called kings already. - Spade FBA FC TC5 (Miramar, FL)

To become a King or Queen of this artform should not be the goal of a writer. All shorties should learn the foundation (history and the artist that came before them especially in NYC and the area they live in). All youngstas in the game should strive to elevate the art and contribute a new/original style back to the culture. – East3 east-3.com

It takes dedication, hard work, and style to get that fame. You wanna be number one in the game. Go hard.
If you’re just a bomber, you should have dope hand style so when cats see your tag dudes stop in their tracks and look at it like, “Wow this mother bombed sh*t again.” Or if you’re in to burn doing letters, you need to study hard to be the best. -Dontay TC5

Practice, practice, practice, practice...draw, draw, draw, draw... paint, paint, paint, paint. Read books; it's an opportunity for you to learn what someone took a lifetime to learn in two weeks. Pay attention to the techniques that everyone is using to create better murals, but don't do exactly the same thing. Think of a way to advance what has been done. No one wants to see the same thing. Lastly, plan, sketch, plan, sketch, and be as prepared as much as possible for any artwork that you do. The more you plan, the better and faster it comes out. People who don't plan and pride themselves on "freestyling" constantly come with the same pieces over and over. Drawing, practicing in general, and putting in work will result in productivity and advancement. Go all out every time you paint. To not do so is laziness. – Katch One (Los Angeles, CA) naturalkoncept.com

Always consider yourself as a student never a master. You'll continue to always want to grow and learn more within your years in the game. - Eukarezt eukarezt.com

Assuming I know... versatility and respect. Everyone has a motivation for being involved with this movement. Figure that out and go get it. For me, it's about evolving, pushing limits of style and being well rounded. I want to be a master. - Satyr Lords flickr.com/photos/lordsatyr1

1. Have a good tag style. Graffiti starts with the tag style.
2. Get Up! If you are under the age of 18 you have nothing to lose. Doing graffiti as an adult is getting more complicated.
3. Stay humble. No matter how fresh you may think you are do not let it go to your head.
4. Keep a black book and take photos of everything you do. (tags, stickers, throw ups, fill ins etc.)
5. Paint, Paint, Paint.
6. Learn how to paint with all brands of spray paint.
7. Only paint virgin permission walls and get up on virgin spots. This avoids writer beef.
8. Do heavy research on the name you put up. There are millions of people that are active and inactive graffiti writers. Respect the game, be original, the least you can do is be a little creative with your name. – Statik (Chicago, IL) statikone.net

Stay true to yourself. Respect yourself so others respect you. Practice, and sharpen your skills. Stay grounded with close family and friends. Be cautious of growing a big fat ugly ego. Humble yourself; you never know what lies ahead. – Toofly tooflynyc.com theyounity.com

King? Heh, not I says the servant. I have done my time and have done my deeds, but in my eyes Kings are few and far between. Do what you do and love it. Don’t get discouraged or caught up in some nonsense drama. Keep focused and know that graffiti/art can lead you to bigger and better things! – Sket sket-one.com

We never consider ourselves as king or queen, let the people decide. Since day one we [have] never painted to be famous or whatever, but I can tell you that we always work hard and never give up. – Scien & Klor (Montreal, Canada) http://www.flickr.com/photos/kingscien/ 123klan.com

Be honest with yourself about your art, and have fun. - KTLA

This is a good question, because now a days everyone is a King. When I was coming up a King was someone that was up on all lines both insides and outsides and all over the place, while now you do a few nice productions, get down with the right crews and the title is yours. Things have changed a great deal, but my advice would be to know the whole history of graffiti not just your time period because everyone has added something to it. –Stan TS5

Who out there is responsible for declaring who is king or queen, and further, king or queen of what? There are so many more important goals, don’t focus on things that other people have done, create your own path, just as important, create your own style. Establish realistic, and profitable goals. Money isn’t the most important thing but it creates opportunity, it is a powerful tool that helps in every phase of creating art. Don’t be fooled; lack of money is a pain in the ass. Being king of the IRT does nothing for me these days; it’s a new time, be king of the internet (an example). Raise the stakes, increase the goal, go for things that no one has accomplished before, don’t follow, lead, achieve. – Erni Vales evlworld.com

To reach the top of any game you have to put in lots of time, dedication, practice and a real passion for what you do. No one ever skips the line and reaches the top without any of this. There are no shortcuts...period. – Bio Tats Cru (Bronx, NYC) flickr.com/tatscru tatscruinc.blogspot.com

Stay focused and try not to be in the public eye as much as you can. Become that myth so years from now [they] will be talking about your reign. - Denz

Consistency, heart and determination. – Tatu, founder of Xmen (NYC)

Don’t be a wanna-be gangster. Don’t be an internet tuff guy. Paint, learn the basics, have respect and it will all come together. – Demer Wallnuts myspace.com/graffiticomix

Persistence, integrity, knowledge. If you don't know where it came from you don't know what's up. MINDS SEEKING KNOWLEDGE. – Risk WCA 7th Letter (Los Angeles) riskrock.com

As far as I can see, persistence is the main ingredient. I mean there are plenty of other contributing factors but ultimately, what you may lack in one particular aspect of your repertoire you can either improve with time or compensate with other strengths as they emerge. I think the best thing is honesty. It's a lot harder than it sounds but being able to gauge what resonates with you as opposed to doing what others expect of you is good advise whether applied to art or life in general. – Askew TMD (New Zealand) askew1.com

Kids now a days jump into wild style without learning basic lettering techniques. Learn the basics before you start jumping into a technical style. Never stop developing and use every source of reference and inspiration you can possibly find. – Ezra ezraone.com

Part IV: Bombing VS Online Postings

2010-06-26T00:35:00.000-07:00

Part Four in a Series of Questions on Graffiti

4) Many of you actively promote your art career online. How do you balance the opposing pressures of writers expecting you to 'keep it real,' and keep bombing, and having to be conscious of narcs reading your posts, tweets, facebook pages, etc.?

Personally I believe in being unashamed about what I do and who I am as an individual. The writing community’s reaction to public disdain is to embrace the image of a terrorist and romanticize it. I can't even tell you how ridiculous photos of people in balaclavas with flaming spray cans standing in front of a train is to me as I get older. Fair enough if you live in a country with a more cohesive vandal squad than what we have here but I decided at some point that I don't care if people like or hate what I do. I've always known there are risks with living the life I do, but ultimately whether I agree with the penalties for writing or not, I know what they are and if that card is dealt to me, I'll take it like a man. – Askew TMD (New Zealand) askew1.com

I do what I do when I do it. There's a lot of things that I'm sure I can be taken to jail for, like being brown in Beverly Hills after 9pm. I don't do much illegal work because that’s not why I paint. I paint for me and to have something that I as an artist can be proud of. I’m a big fan of bombing; we have to have both to exist. I think its just some HATER sh*t we gotta deal with. – Vyal vyalone.com

None of that affects me; I am an artist. I have a foundation based in graffiti and a graffiti style. This allows me to create art and do what I love as a career. I’m very fortunate because of it. I say fortunate because I am part of the history of graffiti (I painted subways, I bombed NYC streets) and that allows me a kind of carte blanche which other artists aren’t afforded. If I were raised in any other city at that time what would I be known for? Sometimes luck, or fate plays a part in shaping a career as much as and sometimes more than actual talent.

I promote myself because if people can’t find me, someone else will get work I can get. The internet allows me so many new opportunities. I used to get my name up in my hood… then on subways…today my surface is the internet, It’s a bigger world but I relish devouring it! – Erni Vales evlworld.com

Pressure? Lol... Listen, no one can put pressure on me but me. I'm grown; I do my graff art responsibly and try to be a role model to the younger generation. I did my part as far as keeping it real. If you know your graff history then you know that. Today I use my time not to hold on to the past, but to teach, mentor, help and prepare the younger generation for what lies ahead and to succeed. – Tatu, founder of Xmen (NYC)

Be smart; don't hate the player, hate the game. You know what you’re getting into, you know what to post and not to post. If you’re real, people know. If you need all that to project how real you are, you’re clearly trying too hard. Those should be treated as business tools, or you deserve what you get. – Risk WCA 7th Letter (Los Angeles) riskrock.com

I don't have time to care about the narcs or any writer out there who has nothing constructive to do with their time. If you’re a hater of any kind you are most definitely not in my network bubble. I don't have time to bother with ignorance; life is too short. I spend much of my time trying to live out the visions I have and see that it gets the love and appreciation it deserves. – Toofly tooflynyc.com theyounity.com

If they don’t catch me doin’ it, they can’t prove I did it. As far as other writers, I’m long past caring what strangers think of me. As long as I have the respect of my family and friends, it’s all that matters. Keepin’ it real doesn’t mean a thing. I hope the narcs enjoy this interview. – Demer Wallnuts myspace.com/graffiticomix

I don't care. I know what I've done. I had that time of keeping it real which was in line with my age and times. The past is the past only thing I can do is deal with now...now is connected to my responsibilities. – Sade (NYC) gabrielfantauzzi.com

We never really care about what other people think, we paint for ourselves first. We know what we did and how we do it. F**k haters, most of them are wack bombers and have no style and at least even if they hate on us, they talk about us. More fame, more hate, you know. – Scien & Klor (Montreal, Canada) http://www.flickr.com/photos/kingscien/ 123klan.com

Selling your art online is different than selling out. I will still get up and do my thing [as long as] god allows me to. As far as narcs/five-0's reading your post: if you are dumb enough to post a picture of you along with a post doing some illegal sh*t, then you deserve to get caught. - Sero FBA FC SCW IBM (Miami, FL)

First of all if you are still bombing, you really shouldn't be promoting anything online. No videos, no bragging on blogs, no action shots nothing at all. People will do that for you anyway. The internet has changed graffiti in a big way: anyone can make themselves to be bigger than what they really are these days with a few walls and a couple of nicely edited videos. At the same time artists are pressured to continue to produce because new works have a very short life span in the digital age. Two weeks and a wall or mural production is already considered old. Again everything has its positive and negative effects. Definitely don't brag about the whole cars you pulled out last night you might as well write an e-mail and send it to the precinct. – Bio Tats Cru (Bronx, NYC) flickr.com/tatscru tatscruinc.blogspot.com

If you are illegally bombing all over the city and posting it on your site, you are an idiot. If you are choosing to promote your art online, then you are basically taking a step to legitimize yourself. As far as "keeping it real", everyone grows up. As most people grow up, their wisdom, self-consciousness, and self-confidence also grow. Street respect is fleeing fame. It comes and goes. It's an ego stroke of the present, with a bleak future. I don't care if you can write your name on a rooftop or on the freeway anymore. I did that when I was 18. It wasn't that hard, just risky and fun. As I grow older and more conscious, I want to be positive and respected by all of society, not just the derelicts and burnouts. – Katch One (Los Angeles, CA) naturalkoncept.com

I keep it real for me. That term is bullsh*t. It’s made up by dudes that want you to do as they do. F**k that. I'm a unique individual. I'm not trying to impress no one. I really don't care if the keep-it-realers don’t like it. Where were they when I was risking my ass hitting train yards all over NYC? Where were they when I was on a STATE VACATION?

It's funny how the keep-it-realers go post their sh*t right away. When I did it, I wanted my work to be famous, not me. - Spade FBA FC TC5 (Miramar, FL)

Part III: Tempt One on Selling Out

2010-06-25T00:34:00.000-07:00

Part Three in a Series of Questions on Graffiti

I’ve shared words a couple times from Tempt One K2S STN. What's truly inspiring about Tempt is that while he is completely paralyzed with Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS), he continues to educate and create. With the help of Graffiti Research Labs and Not Impossible by The Ebeling Group, Tempt is able to use a computer and draw art work, USING ONLY HIS EYES.

Here's an older post on my blog, written by Tempt, explaining his story.

Tempt's response to question #3:

3) What is your definition of 'selling out'?

The classic question. I think it’s different for each of us. The main focus should always be on pointing the finger at ourselves, and not as quickly at others. In our society, we're brought up to call others on their sh*t while turning a blind eye toward our own hypocrisies.

For myself, I hope to always work in the interests of the next seven generations. Anything less and I cannot look my ancestors in the face when I join them in the next life. I wrestle with this decision constantly, and am no perfect person. I - like everyone - have slipped from time to time, and am constantly checking and re-checking to make sure my actions are in accord with my principles. I once turned down an offer by a major soda conglomerate for an easy paint gig that woulda paid a nice 50 grand, for half a day's work. I could have rationalized taking the gig by telling myself that I could put that money towards helping my community - and God knows I was sh*tface broke at the time! But in my heart I knew that I didn't agree with what that multinational stood for, and I couldn't cosign their garbage by associating my name and art to their product. I wrestled with that choice many late nights, cuz I got mad bills to pay like everyone who reads this. But in the end, I knew how this company behaves towards so-called ''Third World'' nations and their indigenous communities, with respect to land and water rights - not to mention the sugary trash they push in our communities and on the tv, directed to our youth. I simply couldn't work with these hood pimps.

My elders live in the traditional way, with understandings and principles that are far beyond the scope of the average western mindset. It is to their level of character and morality that I constantly strive to live up to, because my ancestors are always watching - as are my children. So in the end, I couldn't take their dirty money and paint murals for them in my community. I would have been complicit to their crimes. So in the end, the gig was given to another writer, who was only too happy to paint their name all over the inner-city - for much less money. This writer furthered his career and was touted as a role model to the community. The conglomerate, on the other hand, got to enhance its public image by showing how ''down'' it was with graffiti, and pat itself on the back for - as they called it - ''investing in the inner-city.''

It ain't for me to judge if that writer sold out. I can only stand for what I know to be right, and try to leave a better world than the one I inherited. - Tempt One STN K2S

If you'd like to donate or get more information about the TEMPTONE ALS FOUNDATION, go to: temptone.wordpress.com

Tempt's graffiti art: temptone.com or myspace.com/temptone
Photos of Tempt's work: 50mmlosangeles.com
The software Tempt draws with: fffff.at/eyewriter
Graffiti Research Labs: graffitiresearchlab.com
ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease): alsa.org

Part III: What is Selling Out?

2010-06-24T00:28:00.000-07:00

Part Three in a Series of Questions on Graffiti

3) What is your definition of selling out?

Selling out is the term that people who want to hold your career back use when you are becoming successful. No one who ever accused me of selling out, ever, I mean never, ever offered me a slice of pizza when I was hungry or offered any assistance when I was in need, but as soon as I bettered myself I heard lots of ridiculous comments. Selling out means I’m doing well for myself and I really enjoy doing well. I enjoy traveling, eating well, being treated well, and I do. Should I worry about derogatory terms when I am enjoying my life because of Graffiti? That’s my definition of selling out, derogatory term. –Erni Vales evlworld.com

Selling out is when you agree to sell off your soul and art for a while, without having a minimum of self-esteem. I prefer to paint a wall instead of doing a “fake” job like bars, restaurants or gyms. I’d rather paint for galleries, museums, or big jobs for multinationals that pay well and bring prestige to your work such as Adidas, Nike, Timberland or Wosvaghen. I'm not going to paint the shutters of the ham shops for a few hundred euros! - Wany (Italy) wanyone.com

I don't see getting paid for your passion selling out; it means you took your game to the big leagues. If Adidas or Marc Ecko offered you a big bucks deal, are you telling me you won’t take it? I’ve got a family to feed and a baby on the way. What do you think I would do? But you have to give back to the community somehow someway. You have to open doors for others to follow, not do it for the wrong reasons, and always remember where you came from. Inspire young and old and always be thankful for what you got. And go get you and your family some nice clothes with that phat check! –Twick ICP

It's basically when a person’s actions are discrediting the craft instead of adding to it. And that's usually blatant. - Brisk GM5 IBM (San Diego, CA) briskone.com

There’s no such thing. Everyone has the right to do what they want. I don’t judge. - Exhaust

I don't think anyone is really selling out these days. Cats are trying to get known. Selling out to me is coming up, getting’ your fame from graffiti, and when you blow, you act like you don't know anybody or the dudes that brang your punk ass in the game. Cats I know that change from graffiti to more mainstream are still family with the crew. It's about the brotherhood. - Dontay TC5 revokt.com

I guess like people say selling out is not keeping it hood anymore! When you’re my age in the 40s, keeping it hood ain’t going to feed your family of five kids and pay the bills. I’ve beat niggas down for graffiti, painted trains, went out of state to rack up paint, done all the “keeping it real” and hood things - and I still do it from time to time - but its only going to land you in huge legal problems with the law. Nobody wants that. In prison in the end, your so-called homeys won’t be there for you ‘cause in reality they’ve always hated on you anyway. Trust me I know. Your fam will be the only ones there for you so why put them through the stress when you can sell a canvas for 20 or 100gees or get a corporate gig for the same and live good especially when you’ve paid your dues and have nothing to prove to no one like me! - Cope 2 (NYC) cope2.blogspot.com cope2kingsdestroy.com

Selling out is conforming to somebody else's idea of 'the right path' when it compromises your own passions. American culture is based on trend. This means people following others and that leads to conformity. Even in a "free" art like graffiti, our scene conforms to assumptions on "how it should be." There is nothing bad about conforming when you first learn a discipline, but once you know the ins-and-outs, you get the option to sell out your integrity to the misguided assumptions of your contemporaries, or help innovate better approaches. With innovation comes improvement, insight and a wider range of options for the beginners. A good example of someone who DIDN'T sell out, but DID innovate is Revs. –Lost DE freshpaintsf.com

My definition of selling out is losing all artistic dignity with one’s style and self. In reality this idea is not that black and white. It depends on the perspective of the individual making the statement, and the circumstances of the individual the statement is being made about. There is a place in graffiti for the purist and the innovator. In most cases the person making this statement ether has an immature understanding of life or is envious of the person they are making this statement about. In most cases the individual making the statement would take this sellout opportunity if given the same option. – Statik (Chicago, IL) statikone.net

A sellout is someone who feels that they have to brag about all their illegal sh*t, someone who doesn't let their actions speak louder than their words. When I used to hit the trains in NYC my fame, recognition, "keepin’ it real" came by me seeing my own sh*t run. Everything else was just icing on the cake. I wanted fame, yes, but I didn't achieve it by questioning others who didn't choose the same path as me. I concentrated on doing me. I had no time to worry about the next man, except if he came out with some good work, how I was gonna burn his sh*t. Call people sellouts all you want, you get no props for it from me for it. Do you and don't worry about what the next guy is doing. - Spade FBA (Miramar, FL)

Now that I’m older and wiser, selling out is nothing but a term used by people who are jealous in my opinion. We all have bills, and we have children and homes to support, and if you can get paid doing something you love that’s close to your heart, I don’t see the problem. – Sket sket-one.com

Allowing your dreams to fade away.
Not believing in yourself and in your power.
Staying silent when you had something to say. – KTLA

Some people feel that because you’re now making money from doing shows, selling canvases, etc., that you’ve sold out. A lot of these very same people still paint for the love of it, legal or illegal. It’s the people that have forgotten where they came from; sneaking into the layups or into the yards, climbing the elevated station just to get up. These are the sold outs, “Oh I’m an artist now, let’s not talk about the past.” The fact is writing on trains and now walls is what got you your fame. – Stan & Priz TS5

Everyone has their own definition of what they believe selling out is. If you are true to what you believe, and respect the culture and its history, there is really no such thing. Everything must evolve. If you are just in it for the money and don't really believe in the art form then I consider you a sellout. – Bio Tats Cru (Bronx, NYC) flickr.com/tatscru tatscruinc.blogspot.com

There is no definition to me at all, because if someone paid you $20k-50k to do some artwork, then people would stop saying that. The only people saying that are the ones that are not getting paid! – Denz

Selling out is dropping a dime on someone (snitching) to get ahead in the game, claiming other people’s fame as yours. If you can eat by using your god given talents, if you can feed your family with your art, then I respect that. Don’t do it by claiming to be the king or godfather of graff. – Tatu, founder of Xmen (NYC)

I sell out all the time. I sell out all my paintings at shows. That sell out stuff is ridiculous. I can’t see anyone saying no to someone offering say $1000.00 for a tag on a canvas. If you say no to that you’re not selling out, you’re just stupid. – Demer Wallnuts myspace.com/graffiticomix

If you are doing only what you get applauds from, and forget to touch base.
Hipster graffers. They’re a joke, but they know it, and they are not written in my history book anyway. – Puppet (Sweden) www.puppet.se

Selling out is cheating yourself of education, which in turn, teaches you to GET PAID. – Risk WCA 7th Letter (Los Angeles) riskrock.com

Part II: Pro-Graffiti Programs

2010-06-23T00:21:00.000-07:00

Part Two in a Series of Questions on Graffiti

This post is the second in a series on graffiti. Each post will be a collection of answers to one question by some of the most respected writers in graffiti history, as well as a few up-and-comers. Some of these opinions will be controversial, so please feel free to leave comments and questions at the end of the post.

Today's question:

2) As cities face budget crises nationwide, anti-graffiti departments and arts commissions seek pro-graffiti alternative programs. How do you see this impacting graffiti in the next 5-10 years?

This will keep graffiti art alive, which is good. Graff will never die but going to jail as a young person, especially for graff really sucks. As an adult, responsible member of society, and a parent, I say pass the torch responsibly. Teach the art and history. Keep it alive. – Tatu, founder of Xmen (NYC)

I think it is a good thing. In the early 90's for about 4 years, the Chicago Transit Authority would organize graffiti competitions. These graffiti competitions brought out some of Chicago's most talented graff artists. The work that was produced in the competitions inspired me to start doing graffiti. It was also the first time I saw Spray Can Productions that were artistically better than most public art murals in the city. It was a good display of Chicago's best graff talent.

Along with the fresh productions you also had knuckleheads. They would use the paint donated from the C.T.A to bomb C.T.A property. From this the City of Chicago began to crack down on more writers. Why bite the hand that feeds you? Hopefully the next time an opportunity like that comes around it would be a bit more organized. – Statik (Chicago, IL) statikone.net

I support programs that help develop creative ways to use the art of graffiti as an education tool and to also provide public spaces for people to express themselves loud and bold. – Toofly tooflynyc.com

To be honest, everything is cyclic regarding attitudes towards graffiti and how 'society' tends to approach it. There are so many factors that shape the political climate around graffiti. Ironically though graffiti is a huge industry that for the most part writers don't profit from. The trend seems to revolve around local and sometimes general government engineering public opinion via mainstream media to bring graffiti to the forefront of public psyche. The accumulative anger amongst those that fear or at least feel threatened by writing can be used as justification for shifts in legislation that can be quite questionable and seem to have unseen inside benefits for the various entities that profit from graffiti. Law enforcement and courts are given extra funding discretionary powers that ultimately violate basic civil freedoms. For example: the reversal of the burden of proof in certain countries. Of course graffiti removal is a huge industry unto itself and companies compete for lucrative private and council contracts that in turn provides a livelihood for many. The other facet is community education and from time to time either idealistic or scheming people receive grants and government funding to engage youth in programs either painting out or painting graffiti depending on the climate at that given time. All these elements feed into each other and for as long as I have done graffiti the cycle just repeats over and over. I can't see anything changing radically in the next 5-10 years. – Askew TMD (New Zealand) askew1.com

It's great if done correctly. The important thing is that all the artists get treated as individual artists, and not a bunch of kids. Many times cities treat these programs like Kindergarten classes and bunch up all graffiti artists together and say, “Now let’s all go paint some walls.” The world is not like this. It's survival of the fittest. They will still get the same point across, and end up with art that has validity and integrity. It will actually be better for them, because it will set some clear boundaries between quality aerosol art and vandalism. It will show kids what to strive for, what is rewarded and what is not. – Risk WCA 7th Letter (Los Angeles) riskrock.com

Governments and their programs understand that alternative programs will only curb the art form and that's really what their goal is. I think legal yards will encourage more elevation of the arts. - East 3 (Hawai’i) east-3.com

Who knows it could be all hype just to make things look good. There’s a newborn toy everyday who wants to be like Cope2, T-Kid, Seen, or Lady Pink so its not going to matter. - Cope 2 (NYC) cope2.blogspot.com cope2kingsdestroy.com

It could be a good thing, again evolving the styles and creating artistic competition to be the best. It could also numb out the rawness of it being "our thing". It depends on how many people or agencies want to stick their hands in the graffiti cookie jar. Best-case scenario, it will push up the skill levels. - Satyr Lords (San Francisco) flickr.com/photos/lordsatyr1

I think it will create more jobs and opportunities for artists that don't [have] a degree in art. I personally support the programs because I think it's all about making the best of your resources. – Newkon (Hawai’I) newkoncept.com

Graffiti/Writing/Hip Hop came from an era when the economy was in turmoil. The mainstream knows this cannot be stopped, so it is cheaper to redirect its path to pro alternative programs than to combat it. Mayor Cotch tried in the eighties. It was mostly confined in the subway cars then and after he put up the fences it redirected itself to the streets and to the world. - Sero FBA FC (Miami, FL)

I see it as a good thing; it will bring in more writers. - Spade FBA (Miramar, FL)

There are probably more Writers now that ever. If there are more pieces around, some of the masses think it will spawn more vandalism. I think it will spawn more pieces. - Brisk GM5 IBM (San Diego, CA) briskone.com

It all depends on who’s at the helm. This is a great time for real writers to push the movement even further. State and Federal programs are starting to recognize the benefits of positive outlets for the youth such as graff or b-boy programs. Many organizations are changing their mission statements to include these elements to add flexibility to grant applications. The future is still up to us as writers. Either we, the writers, are going to do it, or they’re going to have some imposter teaching it to the kids. - Prime 808 (Honolulu, Hawai’i) 808urban.com

It’s just a political platform and agenda based on the premise of quality of life. Do cities really want graffiti-type murals adorning their walls? Do they really want their cities represented like this? No. They'll set aside areas we can paint, but in the end it’s just an appeasement and not a cure. All they really seek is a cure. Until they stop seeing our artistic pursuits as a disease, they'll never impact our game positively. A cure means to get rid of it. That’s a negative impact. – Sade (NYC) gabrielfantauzzi.com

It will depend a lot on the next generation if they still are interested in doing graffiti or not. Since day one each government tried hard to kill graffiti. The funny thing is graffiti used to be a subculture and has become a real international culture. – Scien & Klor (Montreal, Canada) http://www.flickr.com/photos/kingscien/ 123klan.com

I'm guessing it will have its positive and negative effects on the graffiti culture. I truly believe that embracing the art form and giving the artists more outlets to express themselves is better than wasting taxpayers’ money trying to clean up graffiti. – Bio Tats Cru (Bronx, NYC) flickr.com/tatscru tatscruinc.blogspot.com

Definitely all good. We should be getting commissioned to do murals all over town. Hopefully it will help us to make a career out of our art, not just a jail sentence and street respect. – Katch One (Los Angeles, CA) naturalkoncept.com

Graff is constantly evolving. It could definitely become generic, commercialized and a watered down, stylistic, letter version with more illustrations and mural-like productions by the newer writers coming into the scene. In the end graffiti will always be the voice of its generation. Finding outlets that encourages the artistry has always been the challenge. - Priz TS5 (NYC)

The good part is that many writers that were hanging on the edge can catch up. New writers - or should I call them writers – whatever, are going to find ways to be productive in graffiti kinds of ways. – Puppet (Sweden) www.puppet.se

It depends on how good the programs are run, how good and professional the talent is applying for these programs and what economic state the city is in.

I can say that I have been lucky enough to recently begin working with Graffiti Arts Programming in Winnipeg, Canada. After experiencing how they operate and meeting the directors and many financial supporters, I have come to see this as an outstanding institution. (www.graffitigallery.ca)
Places like this help out people who don’t have the outlets someone might have in a bigger city like NYC or LA. It’s great to see the city finance a gallery that teaches and exposes artists to more legal and lucrative options. – Erni Vales

I just hope in 5-10 years people are still doing wildstyles (with letters), and not just murals. – Exhaust (Chicago)

Part I: Tempt One on Legal Graffiti

2010-06-22T00:18:00.000-07:00

There is a famous, well-loved and well-respected graffiti king from Los Angeles, who goes by the name, Tempt One K2S STN. What's truly inspiring about Tempt is that while he is completely paralyzed with Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS), he continues to educate and create. With the help of Graffiti Research Labs and Not Impossible by The Ebeling Group, Tempt is able to use a computer and draw art work, USING ONLY HIS EYES.

Here's an older post on my blog, written by Tempt, explaining his story.

I get so fired up when I get an email from Tempt, because I can only imagine the level of focus it takes to type out each letter, and because his words are so powerful. He inspires me to be a better person. I have not seen him grumble about his situation. Not one word.

Here is Tempt's response to question #1:

1) With increasing penalties and surveillance technologies, do you think graffiti will end up surviving primarily as a legal activity?

That's up to the future generations of young writers to decide. However, I propose that we shift the debate around and ask instead, ''Who're these private entities that are disrespecting our privacy rights without impunity, and what are we doing about it?'' This is the larger issue, and with the advent of the Patriot Act and other federal, state and local measures slowly chipping away at our constitutional rights, our world is slowly descending into a police state; with ever harsher and more unreasonable punishments for the most petty of infractions.

Government should be subservient to its people, but in today's backwards-ass world it's the other way around. We embrace this illusion of helplessness in the face of a corrupt system where bankers can ruin the economy and ruin honest people's lives. They not only go scott-free, but get a check from Washington - YOUR money - and are free to do it all over again. A falsely elected President illegally uses his powers to enact a law repealing YOUR right to privacy, YOUR right to know what you're being accused of, YOUR right to a fast and speedy trial, and others. Not only is this law not overturned, but this President isn't even impeached. However, a kid who writes graffiti can do federal time. Do you know why things are this way? If not, have you ever questioned why you were brought up in the world's greatest superpower and don't know how the so-called 'Democracy' works? It's no coincidence that we've been dumbed-down with consumption and sound-byte programming to think and live as free people. Check the science, b-boy. You better do the research and get empowered and start getting proactive. Like my man king DREAM TDK said, ''Dream, but don't sleep!''
- Tempt One STN K2S

If you'd like to donate or get more information about the TEMPTONE ALS FOUNDATION, go to: temptone.wordpress.com

Tempt's graffiti art: temptone.com or myspace.com/temptone
Photos of Tempt's work: 50mmlosangeles.com
The software Tempt draws with: fffff.at/eyewriter
Graffiti Research Labs: graffitiresearchlab.com
ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease): alsa.org

Part I: Raven on Legal Graffiti

2010-06-21T00:16:00.000-07:00

Here is Raven's response to question #1:

1) With increasing penalties and surveillance technologies, do you think graffiti will end up surviving primarily as a legal activity?

There are always two gifts that writing has brought the world - the aesthetic of the tag to masterpiece evolution, and the behavioral rebellion and revolution grounded in illegal getting up. The aesthetic is built on the behavioral; the style cannot exist without the revolt.

In Chicago we have experienced the craziest irony: legal walls that are illegalized based on the economic class and racial make-up of the surrounding community, and illegal productions that have been embraced and treasured by communities marked by racism, class segregation, and the manifest destruction of poor and brown communities.

How can you do a huge illegal burner in the hood, and have mothers, gangbangers, grandparents and local teens want it there, and it stays up or is destroyed by the powers that be outside the hood?
How can you have permission walls that are destroyed because our people's styles and aesthetics are still a threat, no matter the guise it comes in?

Where are the gray areas, the spaces where the behavioral and the aesthetic merge and separate?

Additionally in Chicago we are faced with the illegalization of the materials used to bomb. The tragedy is that children from the hood can't even get access to the materials to rock it the hardcor-illest. On the flip side more writers come from middle and upper class backgrounds that make writing a purchasable commodity, and less borne of the struggle of the hood. Watch the demographics at national and international painting events.

Despite these obstacles, kids still get the cans, the markers, the etching fluid, the scriber, whatever it takes, but in the Chi we don't have many black writers anymore! Why is that?

Writing comes with the hood. As hoods are displaced or further destroyed, does the writing that comes from our communities become as obsolete as the people have become to the system?

We all want our culture to reproduce, and for the behavioral aspect of bombing to thrive - showing by example...we are what we make and we are made of what we are.

- Raven

About Raven: Writing since 1984, member of Stony Island rap crew and the XMen graffiti crew. Has been teaching high school English and Social Studies for fourteen years, and co-founded the University of Hip-Hop in 1996, a multidisciplinary school of the street arts. Executed graffiti projects in Alert Bay, and presently finishing doctorate in interdisciplinary education at Columbia University.

Part I: Will Graffiti Survive as a Legal Activity?

2010-06-20T00:06:00.000-07:00

Part One in a Series of Questions on Graffiti

This post is the first in a series of topics surrounding graffiti. Each post will be a collection of answers to one question by some of the most respected writers in graffiti history. Much of the critical thinking that happens within the graffiti writer community never sees print. It is my honor to share these posts with you.

I don't agree with all of the responses, but I am posting them here with the intention of prompting a larger conversation around these topics. Some of these opinions will be controversial, so please feel free to leave comments and questions at the end of the post.

Thank you to all who took the time to answer the questions. Apologies if your answer was not used. Many answers were the same or similar, and I will try to cover all the respondents in future postings.

Today's question:

1) With increasing penalties and surveillance technologies, do you think graffiti will end up surviving primarily as a legal activity?

It kinda seems like it's going that way. I'm still optimistic about the survival of it though. It wasn't created to be totally accepted, it is what it is. Legal or illegal, it's still looked down on by the majority, and I'm cool with that. - Brisk GM5 TVC DEF IBM briskone.com

Graffiti is not going anywhere; the kids love it. This is the only art form I know that you can get famous for destroying s**t. - Dontay TC5 revokt.com

It’s an amazing art form. Legal or illegal, graffiti art or writing will always find a way to represent itself in any which way it can. All the penalties and surveillance technologies won’t stop any graffiti artist from becoming a king, legend, or just noticed and heard in the graffiti world. - Cope 2 cope2.blogspot.com

I think graffiti will end up surviving as a commercial art. With major companies investing marketing dollars in order to push their product and so many artists reaching an age where they can’t afford the risk to do illegals, many artists see the profitability in branding their identity. - Rome Won romewon.com

I believe as long as there is culture, tradition and history of graffiti, illegals will always be around. It's a beast. From the scribes in the restroom to full on illegal burners, there's something about leaving your mark that we exist. I think it will survive both as legal and illegal. - Eukarezt eukarezt.com

I think illegal graffiti will transcend. Writers are continually innovating new ways of getting up. I think that legals might be more permanent and may help open the eyes of outside observers, perpetuating it's acceptance as an art form, but bombing will persist. - Satyr Lords flickr.com/photos/lordsatyr1

Graffiti has always been illegal. Graffiti style cannot be outlawed because it is art. People have always communicated on walls. From caves, hieroglyphs, Martin Luther and the 95 Theses, in one form or another people have always done graffiti. People will and can always do graffiti. In some cases it may not be the most advanced, but the motive is still there. - Statik statikone.net

No, I believe that there will always be someone who is going to take a can and do some damage even if cameras exist. And the same way they can use these technologies to their benefit so can we (if you are smart enough). De-scramblers, infrared binoculars, enhanced hearing aids, etc. I used this stuff back in the day. It works! - Sero FBA FC SCW IBM

The simple answer is NO. Surveillance has not deterred other crimes such as theft so I believe writers will just get more creative as usual. - Prime 808urban.com

Graffiti as is understood can only survive as a legal activity. While people will always bomb, it'll be sporadic and rare. As penalties and repercussions continue to increase, the risk will no longer outweigh the reward. The dynamic has been reversed; you get more fame from getting busted than from getting over. Nobody wants that fame so all thats left is legal fame, which is not rooted in the beginnings of the "fame" this culture was founded on. Therefore that's not writing or graffiti, it's aerosol painting with an urban-esque flair. - Sade TCM

Graffiti’s survival is not in question. Artists by definition strive for freedom in their minds, in their lives and in their work. Graffiti is the most common and the oldest form of freedom. I think the graf communities around the world will get more political and more sophisticated. - KLTA

Mural projects January-March 2010

2010-04-05T09:00:00.001-07:00

I've been busy painting every week from mid September 2009 until the end of March. Here are some mural highlights.

Mike Bam Tyau and I completed a mural in March for a lifelong friend in Petaluma, CA. The Tiki Barn mural features Tikis, Kikaida super robots, Hawaiiana.

Chez x Twick x Rome2 x Bam x Estria painted a production in March.
This mural is in San Francisco, CA on Turk and Larkin Streets, facing west.

In February I painted a production with an all Hawaiian crew: East3, Kraze, and Bam in Hayward, CA. My sketch was drawn by superstar Brisk GM5 IBM.

Back in December/January, Prime 808 and I painted two containers at the Honolulu Academy of Art. The first container tells the old Hawaiian story about the Shark Guardians of Pearl Harbor and beyond.

The second container with basic lettering and a rasta Tiki.

Prime, Pest3, Dmize, and I got to paint a little line of pieces at the Waianae Boys and Girls Club on O'ahu. My outline was drawn by legendary East One of ATT DF fame.

Guest blogging on Fatlace.com

2010-04-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lapse in posts. I have been guest blogging on fatlace.com for the past couple of months. Please check it out here:
fatlace.com/stayfresh/estria

Writers' Opinions Series
I've been asking renown graffiti writers around the world for their opinions on critical issues of concern to graffiti and art enthusiasts and practitioners alike.

1) With increasing penalties and surveillance technologies, do you think graffiti will end up surviving primarily as a legal activity?
First set of answers by Brisk, Cope2, Sade, KTLA, Dontay TC5, Satyr, Statik, Eukarezt, Sero FBA, Rome Won and Prime 808. Comments by Erni Vales, Kier Defstar, Bieste.
Tempt One's answer warranted its own post.
Raven of Chicago also had a long, insightful response.

2) As cities face budget crises nationwide, anti-graffiti departments and arts commissions seek pro-graffiti alternative programs. How do you see this impacting graffiti in the next 5-10 years?
Answers by Katch, Puppet, Askew, Risk, Cope2, Tatu XMen, Bio Tats, Exhaust, Priz TS5, Toofly, Scien & Klor, Brisk, Satyr, Newkon, Sero, Spade, Statik, East3, Sade.
Separate response by Tempt One.

3) What is your definition of ’selling out’?
Responses by Wany, Erni Vales, Brisk GM5 IBM, Dontay TC5, Cope2, Lost DE, Statik, Spade FBA, KTLA, Stan & Priz TS5, Bio Tats Cru, Tatu Xmen founder, Demer Wallnuts, Risk TSL, Sket.

Oakland National Finals Battle Results 2009

2009-12-23T16:00:00.000-08:00

The 3rd Annual Estria Invitational Graffiti Battle 2009

The battle was once again a smashing success. As the major component of the Life Is Living festival in Oakland, CA on Saturday October 10, 2009. We had 24 contestants from across the United States compete for the title. In addition to the Estria Invitational Graffiti Battle, we also had a black book battle, a stencil t-shirt workshop. Activities outside of the festival included:

Group artshow at 1:AM Gallery SF featuring 20 artists of the battles
Pecha Kucha Oakland: Graffiti for Social Change
The Can Film Fest and panel discussion
After party at Farmer Brown

Judges were: Spie TDK FC of SF, East DF of Kansas City, Omen MPC of SF, Rome Won of Chicago and Estria of Hawai'i.

The word for this battle was "Grow." Very appropriate word considering the festival doubled in attendance.

Extra special thank you to Youth Speaks SF, 1:AM SF Gallery, EastSide Cultural Center, Farmer Brown, Hard Knock Radio, and all our supporters. It would not have been possible without you.

Check out www.estriabattle.com for the full coverage.

1st Place Winner, Vogue TDK, Oakland

2nd Place Winner, Katch, Hawai'i (unfinished; we didn't get a photo of finished piece)

Jher, Salt Lake City

Ckaweeks, Hawai'i

Doves FC TC5, New York City

Prime, Hawai'i

Jash DC5, Chicago

Lady Lez

Twick ICP

Drama

Wand

Bounce

Meut

Lost

Goser

Germs

Fury, one of San Francisco's original graffiti writers

Gape, Chicago

Daz, Visual Element

Tenfold

Sikm

Refa

Ozwego, Hawai'i

Gigs

Group shot

1st Place award

Medals for 2nd place and each city's winners