May 2010: Brooklyn

Congrats to the class of 2010! I'm impressed, guys; you succeeded in making me cry. Today's the first day of summer vacation and I don't really know what to do with myself. No exams to give, papers to edit, or grammar to explain? I admit that I feel a bit lost. Well, at least I actually have time to post my own photos now. Here's a collection of shots that I snapped last month in BK.

This piece was around the corner from the Brooklyn Brewery. Nearby, two visibly hammered guys were draped over railings trying to sober up. We saw them at 6 pm. If they were having a good day beforehand, I doubt they felt that way once the booze wore off.
A little ways away, we found this creepy wheat paste/stencil combo. We stopped at a vintage store and met two hilarious Italian children "standing guard" at the front door. They had their routine down (even demanding passwords for exiting the building).
Then we ran into a giant Pussy Ham.
Later on, Daffy and Bugs tried to outdo the other with this wheat paste series. I appreciate the patience of my company for letting me dart across streets and sidewalks to take these photos. I think I kept my obsession in check, but it's got to be annoying when I disappear for a minute and people can't find me.
Perhaps this shot is my favorite. My friend Mawena (in that gorgeous rainbow dress) poses in front of some Faile wheatpastes. After we took this picture, the lot of us went for drinks and snacks. I feel like this was one of those perfect day situations: delicious food, wonderful company, and ideal weather for roaming around. I'm thrilled to relocate to Brooklyn this August. Can't wait!

June 2010: Don Xid in Bogotá

Quick post today: gotta give exams and secretly watch New Zealand play Slovakia. Today, Don Xid checks in from Colombia to share thoughts on this past year. He writes:

"I started doing street art one year ago. I never really thought that it would work in the street, but I soon realized that it was a great place to share what I make. These environments are only found in the street. I paint in different neighborhoods of Bogotá, but I hope to bring my work to other parts of the world."
"Lately, I'e been painting with friends but sometimes I paint alone. For me, it doesn't matter."
"I like drawing a lot, and I always try to take my time. I look at the techniques that I'm using and stop to think about what I've done on paper. I can say that I have a definite style, but I'm still working on it."
"I love painting on abandoned areas or ruined land. I like environments filled with silence. I also like the center of my city because there is a variety of people and cultures. There's a lot of traffic and many graffiti artists paint down there, so it's a colorful part of town."
"I have met many wonderful and talented people through street art. Every day, I learn more and I am infinitely happy being able to know these people. They're like icons of the street!"

Gracias, Don Xid! For more photos, pop by his Flickr.

Friday ProFile: Seacreative

Back in the day, Italian artist Seacreative tagged up Milan like it was his job. “Sea was my tag when I was just a writer,” he says. “A name of three letters only that sounds and looks nice together. I’ve just kept on using them ever since.” Traveling across Italy and Europe, Seacreative isn’t afraid to pick favorites. “I’ve painted in Italy and Europe,” he says. “Valencia is the one I prefer, especially for people and atmosphere. In Valencia, people are allowed to paint everywhere, even in the city centre. I think that is great!”

Trips to the beach inspired Seacreative to start painting.“When I was a kid, we used to go to the seaside in a place full of graffiti,” he says. “In that place, there was a fantastic hall of fame and you know, all those vibrant colors and tags aroused my enthusiasm. At first, I started copying other writers lettering just like everyone but then I found my own way to graffiti. I preferred brushes and stencils instead of lettering.”
Over time, Seacreative moved from tags to characters. “In 2001, I found my way,” he explains. “I evolved my painting and gave more emphasis to my characters and the use of brushes. I prefer brushes because they help me express myself much better.”
While he may dabble in canvas works, Seacreative believes working outdoors is the best. “The streets are the best gallery you can find,” he insists. “You don’t have to be invited. No one makes you explain the works. There’s no selection, you know. Out there, you can make art for everyone and everyone can judge you. I think it’s a big challenge.”
Sometimes, stuff gets crazy in the street. “On a Sunday afternoon, my friends and I arrived in an abandoned factory,” he recalls. “We chose a wall and started painting. After 20 minutes, we heard some noises, but you know those kind of factories always have a lot of strange noises, so we didn’t care about it. We were painting when suddenly, a bunch of people surrounded us with guns and rifles, everything a soldier could handle. They were watching us just saying nothing. I tell you, we were scared to death! Later on, we found out they were air-soft players.”
On occasion, Seacreative works with friends. He enjoys painting with pals like Vine, Refreshink, and Borse. They work under the name Spruzzer and mix their individual styles into cohesive pieces. “Sometimes, we use sprays, some paint, and some 3D works. Other times, we pass from realistic to graphic. We have fun mixing everything together. Sometimes, we have four different ideas, but the result is always worth the effort.”

Thanks, Seacreative! For more photos, stop by his website. That's all for now. After a killer week of training, I'm looking forward to not moving all weekend. See you Monday!

May 2010: Grems in London

While I'm sad that Mawena and Padric may be moving to London in the fall, I take comfort in knowing I'll see great street art if I visit. If I'm lucky, I might be able to catch up with Grems. Today, he shares a few past projects and hints at what's to come in the future. He writes:

"I started doing graffiti 13 years ago. Back then, I tagged as Cherie."

"I live in London and I travel all the time. I painted absolutely everywhere: in the street, among people, and in the galleries."

"I often work very very alone, but I know several groups like Supakitch TT crew, Jack Factory, Polka Rekm, and Captain Rouget & Bunk. It's hard to paint with other people."

"I learned most of my techniques by practicing graffiti. I did graffiti research for seven years! Then one day, I found my own style. I blend prehistoric painting, Indian art, Cubism, everything! I love painting in the south of France because there are many great walls there. I also like painting people in their living rooms."
"One time, I painted a wall with 3ttman, Remedies and Zbiok. I love this wall because it is a perfect blend of our different cultures: a mix between graffiti, new style, and contemporary painting."

Thanks, Grems! He's got a book and an album in the works, so check his website for future updates.

May 2010: Muro in the Canary Islands

An urban metropolis is a great place to find street art, but little locations need love, too. Fortunately, people like Muro post up outside the city limits and give life to quiet alleys. Today, he talks about his past experiences as a street artist and gets pumped about upcoming travel plans.

"In 1998, I started doing some crazy characters with stolen cans. I got involved with some frineds that were into the graffiti movement in my hood...nothing serious, just kids games. In 2001, I really started seriously after a trip to Berlin. I discovered the street art movement with all the stencils, posters, characters, messages. I was studying graphic design, so I created some posters and stencils easily. That´s when my litlle invasion of my town started. The jump to mural graffiti was pushed to another level in 2004. I participated in the Urban Art festival with the best graffiti artist worldwide: Maclaims, 123 Klan, Pornostars, Dems, Dran, San, and many more. This experience made me dedicate myself to graffiti with all my energy and soul."
"I'm actually located in the Canary Islands, Spain. I was born in Bilbao and studied in Barcelona so I travel as much as possible and paint everywhere I go. Sometimes I paint with my wild style master, Este, but most times I'm by myself. The Canary Islands are actually one of the best places in Spain because there are no problems with the police and the scene is not too crowded. You can expres yourself when and where you want. "
"My style is a mixture of every thing I like. Most of my influences come from comic and graffiti artists, but I try to do it my own way. It´s dificult to explain what makes it different from other street art; I suppose everything is already invented; I just make it my way."
"I got arrested in Bilbao. One of the policemen hit my face and I had to stay a couple of hours in jail because they thought I was an ETA terrorist. Not funny at all."

"Next week I´m travelling to Senegal to meet some artists. I´ve been in Africa a number of times and it´s always a great adventure."

Awesome, Muro! For more photos from his trip, stop by his Flickr.

April 2010: Marmota in Valencia

Spanish street artist Marmota will paint on pretty much anything: paper, walls, even cars. All he needs is a spray can and a stencil. Today, he gives props to his crew and thanks Brick Lane shopkeepers for supporting street art. He writes:

"In 2000, some friends and I formed the group Total Respect. It was around this time when I found stencils, which became my favorite way to express myself. Most of my stencils are painted in the Barrio del Carmen in Valencia.There are also sites like dear Mislata al Raceway; really, I'll paint anywhere."
"I have the fortune of being a member of the XLF, my crew. It is made up of eight friends: La End, Juliet On_ly, Deih, Cesp, Escif, Xelon and myself. We live together in a nice studio in the neighborhood of Carmen. We've been together for a long time and have learned to blend our different styles. It is a endless game."
"My style is still developing, since I'm never completely happy with it. I love the aesthetics of Mexican wrestling, muscle cars, guns, porn actresses, Renaissance, classic posters, boxing, and many more things. I think I have a recognizable stencil, but I still have much work ahead in order to refine and define my style. I think that's the mystery of painting: to stay one step ahead, do not settle and rediscover enjoy every day."
"I recently had the fortune of being in London' s Brick Lane. I was painting near an area where one can breathe graffiti and street art. The owner of the wall, a major Indian business with import of stuffed animals and strange things, gave me permission to paint. First, he approved my sketch and said there was already a Jef Aerosol stencil on the wall that was very good. I could not believe that everyone in the neighborhood was associated with urban art and was knowledgeable about the subject. I was delighted to paint their businesses."

"I have been a television camera operator for nine years. Four years ago, I decided to start a new workshop and started offering murals for business people.To this day, I still live for mural painting; I love designing and decorating all types of businesses. I do not earn much money, but I own my time and I spend my life doing what I love. I'm a very lucky person."

Gracias, Marmota! For more mural photos, visit his Flickr.

April 2010: Beastman in Sydney

The other day, I was listing places that I'd like to live. While I can only speak for places I've been, I feel like one visit to Australia would instantly add Sydney or Melbourne to the list. Today, Beastman and his colorful characters check in and describe what's going on in Oz. He writes:

“I used to do a little bit of graffiti when I was a teenager skating around the streets, but I only started doing my Beastman characters on walls a couple of years ago. I developed my characters over years of drawing in sketchbooks.”
”I live and work in my house in McMahons Point (North Sydney). Unfortunately, North Sydney’s council is very much against public art and graffiti. I usually paint walls wherever I can get one.”
“I sometimes paint with Phibs, Max Berry, Numskull, Roach...and whoever else is in town and wants to go paint.”
”I like painting at my house. It’s quiet and all my stuff is here. These days, I only really do legal walls.”
“I’m currently working on paintings for a solo exhibition at Gorker Gallery in Melbourne in July. I’ve also got some artwork for some other group exhibitions.”

Thanks, Beastman! For more walls, stop by his website.

April 2010: Useless Idea in Genoa

Spray paint isn't for everyone; sometimes, it pays to play around with other styles. Italian artist Useless Idea started out spray painting but ending up working with brushes. Today, he explains how his style developed and shares where he's going next. He writes:

”I started painting in the street in 1993 when I was 15. At first, I was influenced by the culture of writing. I tried to spray letters at first, but I didn’t like it so I started drawing with permanent markers. The subjects were strange shapes with strange perspectives, hybrid figuratives and abstract subjects. Then I started painting characters on walls with a brush. After several experiences, I went back to painting letters.”
”I am in Genoa, Italy, but I’ve painted in other places like Barcelona, Berlin, Bilbao, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Milan. Next year, I will travel to several European cities looking for a place to live that reflects my character. I do not like Italy; it’s too superficial and religious.”
”Recently, I’ve returned to painting alone. Street art has many disadvantages: it is illegal, the work is not sustainable, and trends tend to ruin the intimacy and originality of things. Many people speculate on the concept of street art because it’s something that can sell in galleries. I’m pretty demanding when people hang out, so I don’t compromise my style with that of another person until I respect his style of painting.”
“I've always drawn with the aim of evolving constantly without copying other people. I want to maintain my visual character but increase my maturity. I've always been interested in geometry but also in figurative works. I have never put too many constraints on myself, even when other people did not like what I drew. The goal was and has always been to do my style and paint for myself without compromise. Combining different disciplines and experimenting has always been one of my main goals. Because I get bored a lot, I need to grow continually. I have a hobby of exploring abandoned places almost every weekend. It’s a very solitary activity. I do not have a favorite place, but abandoned places are filled with emotion."
“Besides painting, I make IDM music. I'm working on a urban project for audio sonorization. The sound is an aspect that I’ve used for years in my work. I perceive the sound as an element of my setting; it can stimulate the imagination. Recently I made my record label. I want to do more and more, reaching technical skills on paper and spontaneity on the wall. The projects are many but I'd rather talk them in the moment.”

Grazie, Useless Idea! For more photos of his projects, check out his Flickr.

Friday ProFile: Hyuro

Moving is never easy, and moving internationally can be even more difficult. From visas and paperwork to apartment and job-hunting, it’s never simple to start over. However, sometimes a chance encounter can lead to completely new opportunities. Originally from Argentina, Hyuro moved to Spain ten years ago and met up with Spanish street artist Escif. This serendipitous meeting led to a friendship that changed Hyuro’s world.

“I’ve been painting for a while,” he says, “but never on walls. I always loved mural art, though. When I met Escif, I started getting out there. Most of my initial inspiration came from him. Later on, I discovered my own style and I’m still working on it, but I would say that he introduced me to street art.” Sometimes, it’s more fun working with friends. “I like to work on my own because it’s easier to do what you’re used to,” he says. “But sometimes I paint with Escif. I found that there’s much to learn from painting with someone. I enjoy that part.”
Since painting on the streets is new to Hyuro, he still harbors some concerns each time he goes out. “I am still discovering myself in this new way, so many of my initial fears still exist. I don’t think I’ve got my style down yet, but I can say I’m in the process of finding it.” Fortunately, Escif’s guidance kept Hyuro out of trouble and he’s yet to experience any serious run-ins. “I was lucky to start by the hand of someone with so much experience,” he admits. “I guess he looked after me in that way.”
The pre-painting nerves and concerns are totally worth it in the end. Hyuro confesses, “I think what seduces me the most about street art is being a part of the city, being able to express yourself on the walls and the direct communication you get with people when you’re transmitting your thoughts and ideas out there.”
Escif’s influence ultimately impacted the course of Hyuro’s life; he doesn’t see himself straying from street art any time soon. “I think in general, I am happy with myself when I look back,” he reflects. “Facing the future, I don’t have any particular plans. For the moment, I’m working on a personal project and continuing to enjoy this new world that I discovered.” No matter what he’s doing, he explains, “I cannot tell when I am or when I am not an artist. In this moment of my life, most of the things that I do involve art.”
Gracias, Hyuro! For more photos, take a look at his Flickr. That's all for now. I'm off to explore NYC for the weekend. Hopefully, the rain will hold off and many outdoor adventures will occur.

April 2010: Laguna in Almagro

Located in the land of La Mancha, the town of Almagro is one of many towns featured in the magical tale of Don Quixote. Street artist Laguna keenly understands how the region inspired Miguel de Cerventas; he loves painting in his beautiful hometown. Today, he shares a bit of his past and a taste of what's to come. He writes:

"In 1990, two classmates and I painted the road to the entrance of my town with cartoons from my history teacher."
"Every day, cars passed by and saw what we'd drawn; we almost got expelled from school."
"I paint with many people but I try very much to have time to develop my work."
"Crazy things happen when I'm out working. I have collapsed the building in which I was painting. Once, I sought refuge from the police among a group of Romanians (I painted their cars). Another time, some Ukrainian soldiers took us to a train station and expelled us from their country. We finished painting inside the station!"
"These days, I'm going to Morocco as a draftsman and illustrator. My first Africa's manga festival; then I'm traveling around the Arab world."

Gracias, Laguna! For more of his street work, head over to his Flickr.