If These Walls Could Talk…

…They would tell his story. His story is of that of a street artist who ended up on the wrong side of cell bars. His illustrations speak of childhood adventures that led to incarceration. Outside of his cell, before ending up serving a 10 month term, Mickael Broth’s spray paint cans spoke for him. For those who truly understand graffiti, his wall masterpieces were works of art, but he calls it “vandalism.” Whether his graffiti was just vandalism or not, his vandalism and time served is exactly what has transformed him into the well-rounded and captivating visual artist he is today. It was his time served that was also the inspiration for a book project that’s been in the making for about a year, “Gated Community,” with which he hopes to tell his story through words and graffiti inspired artwork.

He had the talent – it was his vision that needed to be shaped. Serving time provided a catalyst. He’s developed a definitive style out of the “clutter” that spun around in his head, which he calls “cloud cluster.” Mickael’s inner vandal came out to play at the age of 15, after spying a copy of a friend’s, “Phantom #3” while on a school bus trip and thus, his fate as graffiti artist was sealed, “Once I experienced climbing up fire escapes in shitty parts of the city at two in the morning there was nothing that really compared to that thrill,” Mickael says of his first experiences with graffiti, “There really is no comparison to the thrill of getting away with shit like that.”

For Mickael, being locked up amongst hardened criminals was a somewhat difficult pill to swallow, but it’s something that he’d like others to understand through his pending book, “I primarily want to give a glimpse into the experience of incarceration for a normal person.” he says, “I’m not a career criminal and I haven’t lived a particularly crazy life…I’d like that to be something that an average person could read and understand.”

By Mickael’s own account, hard time gave him a new perspective on how his reckless actions affected his community negatively. Although most artists know that their chances of serving time is eminent, not all walk away with a lesson learned, “I’ve met many of the people who owned buildings that I painted,” Mickael explains, “If I had known who owned them I probably wouldn’t have painted them. That’s not a 100% thing…but I think in many cases it applies.”

It’s funny how life works in full circles sometimes – serendipity always hanging in the shadows. For Mickael, fate would have it, that his talents would be the one device he could lean on to keep some semblance of sanity while serving his sentence and perhaps will be the catalyst to his artistic success.

Brek & Skilo by Jonas Lara

To be an artist means being a brave misfit in a world of convention and normalcy. Being an artist is seldom looked at as being a “legitimate” occupation and from my own experiences and stories I’ve heard, most artists spend a lot of time defending themselves.

An un-artisic mind will never understand an artistic one and the outsider’s perspective on graffiti culture is almost always negative. Outsiders have already decided graffiti artists are destructive; they’ve gotten a hugely bad reputation from a few bad seeds who decide to scribble indiscriminately on random surfaces. But graffiti isn’t just spray painting any exterior wall; there are rules to be obeyed. A lot of the rules have to do with respecting other artists and even gaining the trust of one’s own crew. There are older graffiti artists who take “newbies” under their wing and teach them the ins and outs of the culture; sort of like an apprentice situation. They are taught different things like: spray painting on schools, houses or over windows is a huge no-no.

As a photographer who documented graffiti artist and ran with a crew of graffiti artists and other creative types since childhood, Jonas Lara was privy to all the rules. Unfortunately, the arresting officers on the night that Jonas was caught documenting a group of graffiti artists didn’t understand the laws that governed Jonas’ world. With the knowledge that graffiti artis never meant to be permanent, they rightfully claimed a space, a public canvas where their art would reside until it was painted over or replaced with a different artist’s creation. They meant no harm, but the police still intruded upon their space by using the power of their guns and badges to disrupt their ritual.

Brek & Tank by Jonas Lara

Though Jonas was an honest and hardworking young man, he claims he still wasn’t given a fair shot, “He judged me by my appearance” he says of his public defender, “Although I presented my credentials as a photographer and an upstanding citizen.” In the eyes of those who didn’t understand, Jonas was a hardened criminal who deserved time in jail because of his actions.

The officers and other authorities involved in Jonas’ case may have been upholding the law of the land, but what about graffiti law and the fact that Jonas’ footage of that night, which he recorded lawfully, was taken away from him? What of Jonas’ diminished desire to want to photograph anything of his arrest? I wonder if the officers were ever held accountable for interfering with an artist’s drive to create. And I wonder if urban artists will ever be appreciated or thought of as doing anything more than just disobeying the law.

Wayne Roberts' "Smoker" Tag, Taken by Whitney Bulger, Oct. 27, 2011 http://www.flickr.com/photos/60246131@N02/

“I find it beautiful, that’s why I do it” – Wayne Roberts

As graffiti legends of the past enter into the winter of their lives and pass on, I am kicking myself that I didn’t venture into the study of graffiti art earlier. Just as I mourned the deaths of Frank Sinatra and Richard Pryor, as an aspiring actress I felt a sense of loss that I’d never get the opportunity to meet or work with these legends if I ever did “make it big,” I also feel a sense of loss with the death of graffiti artist I’ll never meet.
I’m not a graffiti artist, but I am a journalist who is hopelessly fascinated by graffiti culture. When I learned of the death of renowned graffiti writer, Wayne Roberts, I realized this would be yet another stone left unturned in my journey into the world of graffiti.

For artists, graffiti writing is a skill sometimes born of necessity; to develop a sense of belonging in a group, to hone ones God-given talents, to have a connection with someone because mom works long hours or dad was never there, to stay out of trouble, for comradery, for the thrill of it… the list goes on. For Wayne “Stay High 149” Roberts, graffiti may have been an escape from the struggles of growing up in a single parent home; just as he used marijuana to fly above the hassles of life. For authorities, Wayne Roberts’ aerosol etchings were a nuisance and a crime, but for fellow artists, Roberts’ tags were heroic.

Perhaps too humble to see himself as a hero, Roberts, who was inspired by TAKI 183 and PRAY, eventually graduated from ganja to heroine. He was most likely still trying to escape from the demons of his past, all the while parenting a son and daughter and being a husband.

Stay High 149 tag - Photo taken by Break.Things http://www.flickr.com/photos/contortyourself/

Long after Roberts’ halted his infamous “Stay High 149” tag, the veil of secrecy over this former idol was lifted, after a graffiti  exhibition in the year 2000 in Greenpoint, Brooklyn where his work was being featured. His tagging ways were revived after being bombarded with the adoration of fans he didn’t know existed.

Roberts’ drug use resulted in liver disease, a disease that killed him at the age of 61 in June of this year. During Roberts’ absence from the graffiti scene for over 20 years, his tags and artwork continued to inspire other graffiti writers. In death, Roberts will undoubtedly be a muse to fledgling artists who paint their monikers with the hopes of becoming the next legend. And for me, a young blogger who fantasizes of experiencing graffiti in its heyday; train cars spray canned from top to bottom with elaborate art, artists sneaking into abandoned buildings just to for the chance to place their characters and names on plain brick walls, Wayne Roberts and the artists of his generation will represent the days of original graffiti art. Oh to be in the midst of it all.

To: all the history makers dead and gone. To: Wayne Roberts, a true graffiti king.

LA River: Mullet

Wrong place, wrong time is a predicament photographer, Jonas Lara is all too familiar with. Artists have always been considered among the “bottom of the rung” on society’s ladder. Beethoven and Van Gogh were considered eccentric and outcasts of society, but graffiti artists get backlash and then some…and their wrap is getting grimmer.  In many major cities, not only is law enforcement cracking down more harshly on graffiti artists, but their supporters as well.

On February 2, 2010, while documenting local graffiti artists in the South Central area of Los Angeles, Jonas was arrested along with the two artists and was charged with, “Aiding and Abetting” and his film equipment, along with his desire to go out and shoot were confiscated, at least for a while.

What Jonas was doing wasn’t illegal, but it was clear the cops who arrested him had their own agenda. They changed his charge from initially being Felony Vandalism to Aiding and Abetting, “They kept changing my charges because I’m sure they knew they had nothing on me,” it was clear to Jonas that the cops were desperate to make something stick, “It’s not illegal to document a crime but at the same time, in their eyes I was glorifying graffiti and they weren’t happy about that.”

It’s probably very fitting that Jonas came face-to-face with the law on his graffiti excursion, since the crux of graffiti art is taking a stance against authority and giving the voice back to the people. In this case, Jonas was simply documenting the artists’ process, “I had been working on a documentary project for several years that involved spending time with artists and documenting,” says Jonas, “The work I am doing is less concerned with the graffiti itself and more about the action involved,” he continues, “I’ve always been interested in showing people what things look like.”

Technically, Jonas isn’t just an outsider looking in, as his interest in graffiti was piqued in his formative years,

Maintain Mission: Gizer, Mozer, Duce, Brek, J Rat

“When I was younger I skated and was part of a crew that included graffiti artists, emcees and all kinds of other rugged individuals,” he admits, “I’ve always felt at home with street culture and never saw myself as an outsider.”

The images he captured on that fateful night two years ago, as seen in this post, are hauntingly vivid and allow the viewer and voyeuristic glimpse into the misunderstood world of graffiti. As a fan of his work, I almost feel as if I was there; heart beating through my chest from the excitement of seeing an artist in action and the anticipation of hearing police sirens.

His experience that evening, though arduous was an ultimate victory over the charges against him. His photos reflect the passion, heart and soul of why graffiti artists risk their freedom; to represent their message via aerosol paint.

Progress at the Palolo Discovery Center

Four months after approaching Hawaii based mural and graffiti artist, Prime, Palolo Discovery Center and AmeriCorps Hawaii have moved forward with Prime’s aerosol revamp of the exterior of the building. We’re stoked about the progress he’s made so far and cannot wait to take photos of the completed mural that will encompass the entire cottage! Palolo Discovery Center is part of the Ohana Learning Center, located in the Kaimuki area of Honolulu and services the surrounding neighborhood kids who tend to be at-risk youth from the Palolo Housing area. The Discovery Center’s primary focus is science and kids who participate in the program learn about everything from apuaponics, to how to cultivate their own fruits and vegetables.

It was a little over two years ago that I cracked open a book given to me by an old room mate entitled, “Style Master General,” by Andrew Whitten and Michael White, about the life of one of the most legendary graffiti artists from New York. I already felt a connection, knowing he was Black, marginalized, an artistic type and from New York. Then I read the words that would forever leave me fascinated by Dondi White and the way he revolutionized the street artform, “Dondi was born April 7, 1961 in Beth Israel Hospital in Manhattan, NY.” Those particular letters on the page stopped me dead in my tracks; he was born on the same day, in the same hospital as I would be born over 20 years later. Thus began my journey into learning about graffiti culture with a wonder and fervor that hasn’t diminished yet.

My kindred spirit, who lost his life all too early, would leave his mark on the world and my psyche and I will ever thirst to answer the question: Why is graffiti so powerful and relevant and what can we learn from masters like Dondi White?

Happy birthday to a legend and to me. May rest in peace.

Exterior Palolo Discovery Center in Kaimuki

Hawaii is home to some of the world’s most well-known graffiti artists, so it’s only fitting that John “Prime” be involved in a mural project for the Palolo Discovery Center, located in the Kaimuki area of Honolulu, HI.

The mural project is sponsored by AmeriCorps Hawaii and painting is set to begin soon. The Palolo Discovery Center is responsible for raising test scores and grade point averages for students living in the surrounding area over the past year.

I had a chance to visit the center a few days ago and saw the exterior of the building where the mural will be and kids eager to learn about Hawaii’s eco system, specifically Hawaiian soil and how it works to turn fungi, molecules, rain and sunlight into bacteria that can grow plants.

Hawaiian Soil

Though the kids were rowdy, it was evident they wanted to learn and were excited to start their own garden in the rear of the Discovery Center.

I’m looking forward to see the finished mural!

Rear of Palolo Discovery Center

Design and graffiti; one would not ordinarily put those two skills in the same category, but when you boil it all down, doesn’t all art, no matter the genre, come from the same place? In anticipation of the year Twenty Twelve’s rendition of the Pow Wow art exhibition, Urban Mediums will briefly revisit the Twenty Eleven version.

One person put in a unique position of covering the event and related shenanigans is Creative Director of Australia’s own Acclaim Magazine. Pow Wow 2011 held in Honolulu, Hawaii was the second annual edition. For PJ, the turn out was surprising, given how small the island of O’ahu is and how much more smaller the art community is, “The local community seemed to really get behind it [Pow Wow],” says PJ. A lot of visitors to O’ahu are amazed at how big of an impact a small community can make on the art world, “Although [they] are producing some world class work, [they] stay off the radar,” explains PJ after his Pow Wow experience, “They are not in a place that has adequate international media outlets that understand or cover contemporary street art and DIY art culture.”

Bulbs by James Ramsey @Polaroid_Pirate

The event was held at growing art culture landmark, Fresh Cafe. Despite the national publicity for O’ahu’s art scene, news spread far for the local community. Attendance was high for the 2011 PowWow and even PJ admits that he was surprised by the turn out and the large artist presence on O’ahu.

“I don’t think I could of suggested a better place for an event like Pow Wow. It was a lot of fun and local community really seemed to get behind it,” and now they’re prepping for round two. Aaron “Woes” Martin is one of many artists already on O’ahu, who are scheduled to be painting for this year’s PowWow. Artists will begin to arrive on February eleventh, after which , discussion panels and activities will commence before the official opening of the event on February eighteenth.

Artist Wall at Pow Wow 2011 - Photo by James Ramsey @Polaroid_Pirate

Other painters in attendance will be: Estria, Phibs, Meggs (featured in the 2011 Pow Wow) and Katch, just to name a scant amount of the large pool of talent that converge upon this year’s festivities. For more information such as, calender, scheduled talent and wall locations, hit up the Pow Wow Hawaii website: http://powwowhawaii.com/home/

Collabo Mode: Local Artists Go in on a Wall

The Collaboration

Collaboration defined as working together to achieve a goal. On a more intrinsic level, it’s shared passion, skills, pasts, presents and personal histories. “Reaching an identical objective” (the Wikipedia version) the theoretical definition of collaboration as demonstrated through graffiti is somewhat, if not all together a different animal. Mixed in with the traditional explanation, are passion, street code, the eminent feeling of lawlessness and protection of oneself and ones crew from being on the wrong side of the law.

The Crew

Before crew comes trust, comradery and respect; a friendship of sorts or at least something close to it.

For me, a friendship is defined as a cohesive pair or group of like-minded individuals, bound together by understanding and trust. Often this group of people can know more things about you and be more supportive about decisions than ones family. In some cases, this group of friends can be called a crew, which can often play a vital role in an artist’s life, especially a graffiti artist. Crews can challenge, teach and often are the catalyst for launching an artist’s career. Crews can serve as families apart from our biological ones.

Working Late into the Night

Friends can also be visual proof of your history, as it pertains to the impact an artist has on the people he or she runs with and paints

with.

The Collaborative Art

Collaboration and crews go hand-in-hand in the underground world of graffiti.

Often times we hear artists tell stories of artists being introduced into the graff life or a friend who put them on to a huge opportunity that catapulted them into doing art as a professional. Collaboration can inspire us to learn different styles, techniques and should also encourage us to push boundaries.

Estria Mayashiro

All great men get inspiration from the masters that came before them. Artists of today have the great privilege of admiring old world painters like Gauguin and ground breaking painters like Picasso.

Many graffiti artists break ground by extrapolating what moves them in nature, works of other artists and infuse their findings into their own creativity. For Estria, Paul Gauguin one of the artists at the forefront of the modern art movement, is the stepping stone for the new frontiers he traversed in the name of graffiti. When asked who he used as motivation or inspiration for his own work, he explained that Van Gogh’s letters gave him a lot of insight into his art and served as a narrative blue print to his artistic palate, “I read every one of this letters and watched every movie that I could possibly watch,” says Estria, “I studied a little of his style, too.” He even took note of the artist rivalry had between Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso, who’s tit for tat forged a path for a new form of art that would be called “cubism.” This same rivalry is analogous to the friendly rivalry between members of crews that pushes the other to create better art and use new techniques.

Ins’t it funny also how Gauguin spent the majority of his years on the Polynesian island of Tahiti and Estria is a Hawaiian native? Estria’s canvas no doubt being partially influenced by Polynesian art and culture.

Estria Mayashiro

An intangible aspect of the inspiration Estria derives from historic painters is exemplified in his tireless drive. He freely admits to hardly sleeping and thinking of nothing but working on his next project. Spending day and night painting would characterize Estria as something of a work-a-holic and personifies his commitment to art.

Estria himself has already made history, breaking ground with art tools by co-creating the “stencil tip,” or “skinny cap,” which allows for an ultra-thin line to be painted and changed the entire aspect of technique and design.

History and those who make it are used as a stepping off point for the pioneers of today. One day far from now Picasso, Van Gogh and Gauguin will be welcoming a new comrade into the hall of fame; Estria. And thereafter, artists will be using Estria as inspiration for their work… and so the cypher will continue.