Graffiti Artist
Insider Info
Graffiti has come a long way since it appeared in its contemporary form
on buildings and subway walls in the '60s. Then, it was an underground
political movement. Now, many artists participate in organized tours throughout
Europe and North America.
While the art form is commonly known as "graffiti," these spray-paint artists
actually call themselves writers. An explanation lies in the roots of the
word "graffiti," which comes from the Greek term "graphein," or to write.
Despite its growing acceptance as an art form, graffiti artists still face
a tough fight. They have to find a place to practice their art -- which is
usually designed for huge spaces.
Many graffiti artists prefer to go by one name or an alias.
They're also up against their reputation as criminals. Much of the
public still sees their work as destruction of public property.
Many people argue that even if it's displayed in a gallery or a museum,
graffiti art encourages young people to illegally spray-paint their own art
on other people's property.
Some people simply "tag," or paint their signatures all over town. They
undermine the objectives of true graffiti artists. While taggers have given
the true artists a bad name, the main idea of graffiti is to celebrate a love
of the art through murals that everyone can enjoy.
Alison, a graffiti artist, says, "If you're just out to tag, you're
going to get caught. But if you're out to actually learn about what's
going on with other people and learn how to use the spray-paint can, then
you have to devote a lot more time and effort to it."
Much of the work by the late Keith Haring was done originally as graffiti.
Haring painted a huge mural on the Berlin Wall before it came down. He loved
to see his work displayed inside subway stops.
Professional graffiti artist Man One says he started out as more of a vandal
than an artist. However, he attributes his early behavior to youthful boredom.
He has become very serious about his career as a graffiti artist.
"To me, it's always been an art form. Whether it is a tag or whether
it was a big piece. But what changed, I think, it just -- well, you grow up,
you know?" he says.
"When you're a 16 year old, you have a lot of free time on your hands.
And then I got into college and I started taking my artwork more seriously.
That all changes everything," he explains.
However, many artists remain underground, writing under aliases like Snor,
Klee and Ko2. Much to the chagrin of municipal authorities, these writers
want to see their art on the move. Urban transportation systems are a favorite
controversial canvas.
More and more graffiti artists are going "legitimate." Graffiti galleries
have recently sprung up in Seattle, Minneapolis and other cities. And art
groups across North America have begun to provide grants and other funding.
Graffiti has established a strong presence on the Internet.
According to @149st, a Web site devoted to the preservation of graffiti
history, the Internet has similar qualities to a subway system: it allows
communication across boundaries.
While cyber writers don't get the excitement of hissing paint cans
and lurking security guards, the Internet reaches a much wider audience than
a train.
For Man One, the Internet means more exposure to clients. "It's a
really great marketing tool," he says.
The Internet also allows communication with other artists. "I just had
friends here from France last week and we did a big [project] together," he
says.
"We've maintained contact through the Internet. If I know they're
coming, over the Internet we can exchange sketches so we know what we're
doing when they get here."
Graffiti often portrays urban life. Most artists use words as well as pictures
to give their work impact. And most graffiti writers put their "tag" (signature)
somewhere prominent in the picture.
The main tool of the trade is spray paint. The art is usually a large collage
or image that can take up the entire side of a building.
Earning a living as an artist of any kind is difficult. Graffiti artists
are no exception. Most have other jobs that pay the bills. Some artists'
enjoyment of graffiti has helped them find work in graphic design and Web
site design.
Man One estimates that there are only about 25 pro graffiti artists in
the U.S. He adds that if you want to make money at this, you've got to
diversify.
"I freelance, so I do all kinds of things. I do everything from canvases
and exhibitions to murals. I do the whole spectrum of artwork," he says.
"I keep busy that way because just doing murals won't keep you busy
enough. You've got to branch out and do other things."
Getting Started
Getting started can be tough. Most building owners don't want you
spraying designs -- no matter how eye-catching and artistic -- on their property.
In most places, illegal graffiti is considered a serious crime.
The best way to start is with large canvases or mural boards, which can
be expensive. One hard-backed 26-foot by 10-foot canvas can cost more than
$250.
But sketching out ideas for drawings is much easier. Most graffiti artists
keep small blank-paged sketchbooks on hand at all times, just in case inspiration
strikes. Many artists trade their books, called piece books, as a way of sharing
their art and spreading their message.
When the time comes to paint, spray paint can be bought for about $5 a
can. In the end, it's the message and power of the work that impresses
-- not its size.
Links
Graffiti Verite
Includes an artist-of-the-week feature section
@149st
A history of graffiti: the condensed version
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