Knowledge is Power (3 (Interview))

In the world of street art, it is difficult to find an expert willing to talk. I reached out to a number of people that claim to be graffiti artist and street artist hoping that someone would be willing to give me an inside scope of the world of street art. By a stroke of luck (see what I did there) my dad went to a business convention, where Erik Wahl was speaking.  Any logical person would be thinking, art and business are complete opposites. However, Erik is different.

If that looks like a normal business presentation, I've got news for you! It's not.

That is more along the lines of a normal business presentation about God knows what. Anyway back to Erik Wahl. After the presentation, my dad approached him and asked for his direct contact information and Erik gave it to my dad! It took a sometime to generate the questions I wanted to ask because I needed to get answers that are specific to him as well as general to the whole community.

Questions Asked

• What is your inspiration behind creating the street art you make?

• What is the purpose of your art?

◦      What does it stand for?

• Do you think art is an open book? Or are there any rules you have to follow?

◦      Specifically in graffiti, are there guidelines?

• How did you become a graffiti artist?

• When did you get into graffiti?

• Is there a difference between street art and graffiti art?

◦      If there is a difference, what is the difference?

• Is there specific way you do graffiti art?

◦      Paint Brushes? Spray Cans? Combination of Both?

• When thinking of a new design for a piece, what is your thought process?

• Do you have other connections in the graffiti community?

◦     I am trying to gather as many outside sources to give me perspective

• Once I make my final piece, would you mind looking at it and giving me feedback about it?

I was amazed and thankful for how quickly Erik responded to all my questions. His insight was breathe taking and quite frankly flabbergasting. My favorite two pieces of information that he gave me were in response to the questions "What does it stand for?" in which he said "This is the beauty of street art above all other art forms is that it is dynamic. It can be added to, tagged over or erased all together. It is an art for the people by the people." At first this answer was complex and confusing, but after breaking it down he is revealing that street art is flexible, it can do whatever we want it to because as he states it is art for the people by the people. The other information that struck me was in response to  "Is there a difference between street art and graffiti art?" He says "Ho de gustibus non est disputandum, this means, there is no disputing taste. We all have different preferences and no one has a monopoly on what is right, I love this." In fact, I love this too. One of the main goals I set for myself at the beginning of the project was to create art that provokes thought, good, bad or otherwise. This is essential my green light to say go for it and try to do whatever the hell I want. That freedom is amazing and this allows me to take any path I want: political, educational, inspirational, ANYTHING.

While using spray paint it is difficult to create fine lines and detail, so I looked into ways I could create finer lines as well as add effects of paint speckles. I found two items that would allow for better results. 

The two items are nozzles that either fatten the line produced or it makes its skinnier. This is something that will be very helpful because one of the main issues that I have been experiencing is the paint coming out too fast and messing up the entire painting. The other item was a spray can grip. Essentially you put the front of it around a can and then you are able to spray by pulling the trigger. It is very helpful for adding a fade effect, but it also allows for me to spray for a long time without my hand getting fatigue. All in all these both will be a tremendous help for the future.

        I was able to pursue my street art on a larger scale. I used a cardboard box and unfolded it to gain the largest surface area. I used the sketch I created last week as a reference. I did not take account how big the LIVE LIFE was and ran out of space on the left hand side. On the right hand side the eternal life sign became too small, however I did like the look of the random designs of lines. Most likely the left and right sides will get major revamps however the middle section is clean.

I have also been working on other designs. Some of the messages will be along the lines of how creativity is better than standards or riches. 

The biggest breakthrough I have come across is street art is not always involving spray paint. That is the complete opposite of what I thought all along. Street art can involve brushes which is a huge relief for me. This is relieving  because the small details and brush effect with layering is something that gives a piece true personality. The personality aspect is something my art has been missing and now I will be able to truly give it a unique personality.