I love street art, when it improves and compliments its surroundings. It really gives a lot to the community for free, illegally. I love the art that looks as if it comes from the structure, be it a window or old door, ect. And things that are large and take up a whole wall.
But I dislike random tagging, the little squiggles and un-tasteful dis-facement for no real reason but some brat to be a rebel. Sure they may need the practice but do that at home and show the world when you’re ready. Or at least do it in places where people don’t have to see it. Anyway that’s my rant.
An artist I found was FERS, from Cape Town, South Africa. He is a “graffiti writer” specializing in characters. He has been a designer and illustrator in various spheres of design from digital agencies and design studios to publishing. FERS is also the Founder of an apparel company called Thvggery, which also functions as a fashion, art and lifestyle blog.
To me (an inexperienced street artist) his work seems fairly traditional, bold, cartoon-ish and simple. His work puts a grin on my face 🙂
FERS enjoys spraying at abandoned spots. “It’s peaceful, unpredictable and makes for a good photo. Also ghetto and township spots, people tend to appreciate it more in those neighborhoods.”
Meet Sofles. An Australian graffiti artist from Brisbane. Born Russell Orrie Fenn, he started out tagging on abandoned walls and on trains in 2000. Like most street artists, he has worked his way up the ladder and has been painting for over 15 years, he is now one of Australia’s most popular artists in the scene. Sofles is sponsored by Ironlak paint.
In 2011, he worked in conjunction with fellow Brisbanite and videographer Selina Miles, the two created a thrilling time-lapse film “Limitless” in a deserted warehouse, where you can see Sofles and #squad in action. See film above.
In 2009, Sofles got caught defacing public property without permission from the owners – he was required to pay a $14,000 fine, 240 hours community service and assisting the Police Graffiti Task Force in finding and capturing young vandals in the area.
Despite getting caught, Sofles has not slowed down or stopped doing what he loves – in fact this has catapulted him to national and worldwide acclaim. Sofles spends the majority of his time travelling and working in Europe, painting and making films that inspire the next generation of writers and artists.
His works are extremely detailed and diverse but still retains its graffiti background. Many of his female characters are inspired and reminiscent of comic book artist J Scott Campbell. Sofles is influenced by comic art, pop art, old school graffiti and contemporary design.
Most people are unaware that graffiti artists are extremely talented as they not only paint but are also illustrators that work in a variety of mediums, not just limited to aerosol spray. Including; drawing, airbrushing, tattoo art, digital painting, sign writing, canvas, concept art, graphic design and typography.
I respect and admire graffiti art as a contemporary form of art and design. Graffiti is often a stepping stone for many artists in the community. Graffiti artists have been able to capitalise on graffiti and used it to commercialise their work. Born from a sheet of paper, an image sketched and then transferred to a wall. Street artist’s have a vision they execute, that is easily dismissed without understanding the length they have gone to produce it. It’s a long process that many people don’t acknowledge and only see the final outcome. This is what inspires me as an artist – I love to see the process and the vast display of style. The artist has poured their heart and soul onto such a public place for everyone to judge without remorse. There is no time for mistakes or second chances. This is the truest form of art in my eyes.
I hope it opens people’s eyes and minds to the fact that graffiti is a strong art form and there is a lot of energy in it. I want to get rid of the stigma that any art done with a spray can is bad or juvenile – Sofles
If anyone is interested in seeing a Sofles piece – you can head to the local Murwillimbuh wall along the Tweed River and have a look. It’s a legal wall for artists to paint on and has seen many famous artists paint murals over the years. If anyone’s keen to have a paint with me just let me know.
Banksy is the pseudonym of a “guerrilla” street artist known for his controversial, and often politically themed, stenciled pieces.
Banksy’s identity remains unknown but started his career in Bristol with graffiti gang DryBreadZ Crew.
His early work was mostly freehand but on occasions he used stencils but started using stencils predominantly because it allowed him to finish his art in a shorter time avoiding being caught.
As his signature style developed he became more widely recognized around Bristol and in London.
Banksy’s artwork is characterized by striking images, often combined with slogans. His work often engages political themes, satirically critiquing war, capitalism, hypocrisy and greed. Common subjects include rats, apes, policemen, members of the royal family, and children. In addition to his two-dimensional work, Banksy is known for his installation artwork. One of the most celebrated of these pieces, which featured a live elephant painted with a Victorian wallpaper pattern, sparked controversy among animal rights activists.
Other pieces have drawn attention for their edgy themes or the boldness of their execution. Banksy’s work on the West Bank barrier, between Israel and Palestine, received significant media attention in 2005. He is also known for his use of copyrighted material and subversion of classic images. An example of this is Banksy’s version of Monet’s famous series of water lilies paintings, adapted by Banksy to include drifting trash and debris
Banksy’s worldwide fame has transformed his artwork from acts of vandalism to sought-after high art pieces. Journalist Max Foster has referred to the rising prices of graffiti as street art as “the Banksy effect
In 2013, Banksy took to the streets of New York City. There he pledged to create a new piece of art for each day of his residency. As he explained to the Village Voice, “The plan is to live here, react to things, see the sights—and paint on them. Some of it will be pretty elaborate, and some will just be a scrawl on a toilet wall.
He is one of my favourite artists and so iconic. he has come from a small town graffiti artist to an international icon.
Is graffiti art or vandalism?, is it unsightly or beautiful? This is a topic of much debate and it is so because it’s subjective to ones opinion. Local artist Christian Griffiths (sauce) does this art for a living and is often subject to discrimination.
Not to long ago he was DISQUALIFIED at Mural Fest . He was escorted from Mural Park by a police officer after returning to work on his stricken mural.
Mural Fest committee members removed his unfinished work from the site. Controversy has swamped the internationally renowned art festival in its first year run by its new committee after Mr Griffiths was struck from the competition for refusing to solely use paint supplied by the committee. Although they had a hidden agenda, believing sauce was promoting graffiti and the use of aerosol for vandalism.
Mr Griffiths said he had returned to Mural Park yesterday morning to finish his mural when he was approached by a police officer about 11am.
“I don’t care about the competition, I just wanted to finish my art,” Mr Griffiths said.
The Murwillumbah based artist said the officer had told him that if he didn’t remove himself from the competition space he would be charged with failing to comply with a police officer’s direction.
Sauce has an extensive background in aerosol art, which can be seen all over the east coast of Australia, provides him with a deep understanding of public art. Over the past decade, Sauce has worked with clients in both domestic and corporate environments, including local councils. Ainslie Rose, Sauces communications and art development manager has a degree in social science and combines sauces experience with her cultural knowledge. the sauce studio is the perfect choice for public art consultation
BoHDi studied his Bachelor of Fine Arts at the Queensland College of Art, Griffith University. His aerosol murals (he asked me not to call them graffiti) have gained him recognition particularly in Brisbane. He exhibits work all over Australia and sells his artworks privately also.
BoHDi’s street art journey began in two ways in early 2013. Firstly he started printing stickers and paste-ups and “distributing ” them. He says this is where his true street art label lies but most people have given him the label because he spray paints on walls. BoHDi doesn’t think he has earnt the label “Graffiti Artist” because there is a street hierarchy. Secondly he met the Director, Peter Breen, of Jugglers Art Space in Fortitude Valley and an opportunity arose to show him a recent project- BoHDi was eager to take his work into the street art sector. Not long after the meeting, he created his first planned piece with IRONLAK in the alley. It was then that BoHDi realised this was his truest medium. Street art became his passion. His pure love-the spray can.
To his great success, BoHDi has marketed himself as a mural artist and has never hesitated to share his knowledge. He still works with Jugglers on many projects including reopening the Jugglers alleyway regularly for other artists to practice and learn, collaborate and vent in safety. His influences have been varied, from the dedication and proliferation of sticker artists such as Wanderlust and Betamax to the absolute meditation, speed and finesse of Graffiti artists Sofles and Lister (both Juggler’s born artists). BoHDi also loves the energy, recklessness and the ingenuity of the train yard writers.
In BoHDi’s words, “The street art scene is a very spiritual art scene. It looks loud and aggressive and that’s because it allows people to truly speak to the public and interact through their art without asking permission.” He continues, “Street art is all about space and time. The moment you spend is the only moment that exists and the artists have completely removed their sense of attachment (almost). After all there is no protecting what is public property, it’s not yours anymore-it’s everyone’s. It’s unfortunate that council believes they have the right to remove it without public consent. It’s as much about the process of creating as it is about the freedom to speak. It pre dates social media as a social commentary.”
Street art can change someone’s day, someone’s life. It breaks control and restrictions. It’s a real freedom of expression. The people who engage in these practices are willing to pay a heavy price for it. The penalties are large and on a par with Narcotics and Violence offences.
BoHDi’s pure love of the spray can is being noticed. His colourful and wild creations pop from the wall. His work is undeniably and uniquely his and I think he can claim the title ‘Graffiti Artist’ in my book.
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2016 Kingscliff Graphic Design 