28 posts tagged los angeles

Q: What or who has inspired you to pursue graffiti art?

A: I’ve always seen it while riding in cars as a little child. I’d always try and pronounce the names of the tags, would rubber neck to see the colors of a piece, and would try to copy the characters I seen on a wall production on paper. I found that other friends of mine were interested in graffiti while I attended high school, so we all inspired each other. My circle of friends that were into graffiti art expanded, and I got to meet talented artists that have left a footprint in my art walk. However, I attribute most of my inspiration to Duem, a natural-born artist, who influenced me in many ways.

Q: How long have you been painting? As a writer? As an artist?

A: I’ve been painting for as long as I can remember. Whether it was using tempera paint as a child, to my present use of aerosol. As a kid, I would always be drawing, coloring, painting, or scribbling on something. As a writer, I started tagging in 1999, but I started painting about 2001, so it’s been about 10 years so far. I started entering the urban/street art gallery world around 2003. My first show ever was a collaborative all-female show called “Wonder Women – The Girls of Graff “ curated by Mario Ybarra Jr. of Slanguage Studios and held at Homeland in Long Beach, CA.

Q: How did you get your name? What does it mean to you?

A: I got my name around 1998 or so, when I had a pen-pal from upstate. We’d e-mail each other all the time, and I got to chatting about the graff subject. I told him I wanted to start painting and I went over the few names I had in mind. When I ended naming the few, he just happened to blurt it out…”Opia.” He said it was short for Utopia, the land of Eden, Paradise, God’s land, and “Opia” was the land of…a place where I belonged. I didn’t pay much attention to the meaning, but I really liked how short it was because I’d be able to use less paint, and would be done getting a spot quicker.
Now, I appreciate the significance of my nickname, because I do believe in God. It reminds me of the fact that, regardless of the harmony in my life or friction, I belong to God. I used art as an outlet of expression, and whether it was productive or destructive, I was still a citizen of Utopia. To me, the meaning grew with time.

Q: Is there a specific crowd of artists that you like to paint with? 

A: Honestly, I like to paint with anyone and I’ve painted with many people before. When it comes to painting walls, I love the gathering of everyone. It reminds me of a backyard boogie BBQ, you know…food, togetherness, music, and great vibes! It’s like a mini-celebration. When approaching a surface to paint, we all share the creative energy we put out, and there’s never a time that I haven’t left without learning something new. The beauty in it is that everyone is different and they add their own dynamic to the creative atmosphere.

Q: What messages, symbols and feelings do you want people to perceive when viewing your work?

A: At first it was all about “me,” the stamp of my presence. Whether I wanted to slap a fast throwie on a hot spot to force eyes on my mysterious identity, or scribble a little tag in the most hidden and unseen places; I wanted to leave a part of me in time. Now, I can take that form of scattering myself and instead of focusing on me, I want to focus on the world around me. I want to spread the message of positivity, peace, joy, and love. I want my work to be symbolic for those messages. I want my work to somehow provoke the viewers to feel recognized and noticed. I want to perhaps put a smile on a kid’s face with colorful and funny cartoon characters. I want my work to reveal beauty in a not so beautiful world.

Q: Describe some of your most memorable moments painting. Best, worst, scariest?

A: My best and most memorable moment was painting my first bomb…the fear and the excitement, I’ll never forget it. The worst was going to jail. The scariest was getting shot at by gangsters while painting a rooftop and hiding out in a homeless man’s tent. He was an angel! I’ll never forget him, and his John Grisham book as he was reading that night by candlelight.

Q: Elaborate on your experiences displaying your work in art shows and galleries.

A: They’ve all helped me mature my views in art. Although many may disagree with me, I no longer believe that the art form of graffiti is for the streets only. This line was made permeable decades ago by the veterans. I realize that while most of my graffiti artwork may be scrutinized in galleries, it is still a voice, and it still relates an intentional message. Nevertheless, every display experience has been wonderful, and I am truly humbled to of have been included. Each show introduces me to other fellow artists and talent, and my world just grows…another person to appreciate and befriend.

Q: Do you think displaying graffiti art in galleries legitimizes it as “real art?”

A: I believe graffiti is art, whether on the street or in a gallery. There’s a thought process before manifesting what one would like to present. A so-called “ugly tag” was carefully thought out before it was done, and you know very well that tagger thought it was the best tag in the world! That is the essence of art. You can’t label art, as art, because of where it’s “properly” displayed. As far as I’m concerned, art is all around us, the blue ocean, the fluffy clouds, the colorful flowers. They don’t need an introduction to present themselves as works of art, they just…are.

Q: What do you think your role is as a female in a male-dominated culture?

A: I grew up a tomboy, so I don’t feel intimidated in a male-dominated culture. Possibly, because I have a strong character and can take a joke. I think of my role as a fellow writer, neutral, not better than, or less than.  

Q: Have you received more positivity or negativity being a female graff artist?

A: Overall, I have received more positivity than negativity. There’s a stigma of female graffiti artists being wack and untalented, which I totally disagree with. Everyone will have an opinion of me, as long as I stay true to who I am and what I believe, that’s all that matters.

Q: What are your views on graffiti artists painting on women’s bodies?

A: I believe it became a huge sideshow and the presentation is over-sexed. I personally don’t like it.

Q: How long do you see yourself painting graffiti in the future?

A: I no longer do illegal graffiti, but the art form, I will continue for as long as it will remain in my life.

Q: What else do you do, aside from painting?

A: I am a full time student at a local community college, and I am a contributive author of a community awareness non-profit group called The Wilmington Wire. I do collaborative blogging with the group and we post information on various topics that have to do with the enrichment of the community. It ranges from environmental issues, to health issues, to positive and uplifting family events, to children’s activities. I am also currently pursuing a career in the medical field with hopes of doing volunteer medical assistance in Third World countries in the near future.

Q: Is there anything you’d like to share with our readers?
A: Love, peace, and joy to you all.

Q: How did you come up with the name Minx?

A: It wasn’t my idea really. A friend of mine called me a “lil minx” and I liked it and stuck with it. Now I have variations of it like “minxie” or “minxy” because it sounds a little more feminine and distinguishes the fact that I’m a female for those who cant figure it out.

Q: Have you always used this alias?

A: As far as graff wise yes. Of course I have tons of other nicknames people have for me though.

Q: How long have you been writing and what crew/s do you rep?

A: I’ve been writing since 2007 and I rep the Just 4 Fame Kings/Queens to the fullest!

Q: What areas do you get up at?

A: I like to go out everywhere but sometimes my schedule is limited. So let’s just say mostly the LA County.

Q: Why did you start painting?

A: I knew a few people who were into graff and kinda started joking that I wanted to do it too because it looked “fun.” I got serious with it and gave it a try. I was kind of discouraged at first but I liked it so I continued and made it a mission to leave my mark everywhere.

Q: How hard has it been for you as a female writer in a predominant male world?

A: It’s been very hard in the graff world. No one takes you serious. All the guys criticize and assume you’re another “groupie” or someone who’s down to get fame the wrong way. They also assume that you don’t do your own dirt and that other guys do your work for you. They hit you up to paint and are expecting something else. Your work could be better than a male but because you’ve got a vagina you’re automatically inferior. Its not only males though, its females too.

Q: What are some challenges that you have faced and have they changed you in any way?

A: Overcoming male negativity was a big challenge. It has changed me in the way that I don’t feel intimidated to compare myselfwith other males or step up to them if they’re talking nonsense to or about me. I’ve learned not to think less of myself and consider myself as just another writer in the scene not specifically just “another female writer’. For those who don’t believe I do my own dirt whether male or female, I’m not afraid to stand up for myself and prove them otherwise.

Q: Do you prefer a certain brand of cans? How come?

A: There are some cans that are better than others and it usually has to do with the pressure, the colors and the option to change its tip. I still have a bunch of the old Krylons!

Q: How would you describe your style of writing?

A: I like to keep my shit simple so that anyone can read it I’m not too techy because I’m not too much of an artist. I like bright colors and love making my letters big and bold. I also love dramatic and thick outlines.

Q: What’s your favorite form of graffiti?

A: Personally, I love bombing because it stands out a lot and fame comes a lot easier when you can throw up your name everywhere. I also like stickers because it draws not just graffers attention but anyone who sees it. Not to mention they’re a lot easier to stick everywhere and not get caught.

Q: What is the most memorable thing/event that has happened to you while you were out painting?

A: I have tons of memorable events that have happened to me that it’s just hard to pick out one. Everything from drinking while painting, running from cops, hiding from helicopters, running alongside the freeways, almost getting my car fucked up etc. Basically any night out with the crew is memorable.

Q: Do you think you will ever stop painting? Why or why not?

A: Compared to a few years ago I’ve slowed down a lot. Priorities and responsibilities are what make it hard to go out at night. Before I could chill, drink and paint all day and night without a worry but things have changed along the years. Even though I don’t paint as much as I’d like I try n keep my name out there through other forms. 

-Perla Escobedo, Contributing Writer

 


“I caught my first spot in the 5th grade. When high school hit me, my whole world changed. I started meeting different taggers and piecers and I wanted to become a part of the whole graff scene. I didn’t wanna be a lil pretty ass chick with Jordan’s and manicures. I wanted to stay a crazy lil tomboy- who bombed- like the boys did- and that’s what I stayed.

I started bombing like crazy in 2006, when I was 16, which is also when we started the Pin Up Girls Crew.
I just loved the adrenaline rush, it became my fetish and I’ve met a lot of dope friends through graffing and done a lot of crazy ass shit because of it.

My styles have changed over the past couple of years. I used to try to make my bombs NOT look like a girl did it, but now I embrace the fact that I’m a female hitting any spot any dude can hit. 
I love doing graffiti and I genuinely think I’m going to be doing it for the rest of my life.

As far as my music goes, graff has influenced everything about it. I talk about graff in half of my songs. It has made me who I am today. REVERIE, my alter-ego.
Hip hop and graff come hand in hand and I love them both.”


Revery photos provided courtesy of Graffhead.com 
You can also listen to Revery’s music on myspace here.

For the past few years, Rakel has been a graff artist I’ve always seen up. Whether it be at yards, freeways, or the random landmarks, her clean basic styles followed by an occasional girly heart always caught my eye.



As a youngster, Rakel began paying attention to the graffiti artwork she constantly seen on streets and freeways. “It sparked my interest to start doing it myself. I fell in love with it.”She began bombing walls in late 2003 and has continued her artwork for the past six years.

Rakel is the only girl in CTE.”They seen me up and thought I had potential so they asked me if I was interested in being in their crew.”
She’s also a member of FAM, an exclusive all girl crew, that was started by her homegirls Eris and Star.

Q: What’s the story behind your name?

A: I never had a name I was satisfied with. The name I gave myself carelessly seemed to be my favorite. I always took the bus and I stole a Metro Rail poster one day that said “Go Metro” so I decided to make a name out of that phrase.

Q: How long have you been writing?

A: I started noticing graffiti 2003-2004 and found interest in it. Then in 2005, I decided to do the damn thing since it was something that caught my attention and was curious about. I mean, I don’t really have a big story on it because I just went out and did it and it’s crazy how time goes by so fast because its 2009. I didn’t even realize I’ve been doing it for 4 years.

Q: What’s your best memory from painting?

A: When me and my friends would go to Lowe’s or Home Depot to steal paint and got away with carts full.

Q: Your worst?

A: I was in a train yard and someone started chasing us. So I ran, fell down, got back up, ran again, fell down and ate shit, got back up, ran, tripped, then got in the car with a missing sandal and a bloody toe.

Q: What are your favorite things to paint?

A: Freights are a definite. You just kind of walk in and choose which train to paint on. Freights are like giant canvases open for someone to make them look 10 times better. I also love freeways. It’s an adventure and you gotta be fast or you’ll lose out there. Haha. And wherever I can get a good view of my piece is a plus.

Q: What’s your view of graffiti “body art” on women?

A: I think it’s okay, I mean guys probably love it since they’re next to a half-naked female body. I’m down for it though. It would be a new experience for me.

Q: Is LA graffiti about “art” or “fame”?

A: I mean there’s a good amount of artists who care for fame. As for me, I just like to do it because it’s fun to decorate the city and if it wasn’t for that, I wouldn’t have been open to more art-related things. It’s nice when people see your artwork somewhere because it shows that you were there. You start getting more territorial. Haha. The fame is a given because you’re going out and putting your name out there.

Q: Do you usually paint with other girls or guys?

A: I paint with anyone that’s experienced because I don’t want to go with someone that isn’t aware of what’s going to happen. I don’t want to paint with somebody that’s going to panic and pass out or something… I do NOT want to be responsible for their actions. Haha

Q: How important are black books in graff culture?

A: I think they’re very important. It’s artwork that you can keep and other artists can jump in on it. You get to see a variety of styles in one book. It’s awesome.

Q: Do you think the LA graff scene is a sexist one?

A: It can be. Sometimes I feel that since I’m a girl, I’m not on their level. Regardless, male or female, it doesn’t matter. Just because I don’t have a penis that doesn’t mean my artistic ability is any lower than a guy’s.
I’m trying to do my thing just like they are. So guys shouldn’t underestimate a female because you just never know (:

Q: How have you been painting? 

A: I’ve only been painting for about 2 years, that you could say actual painting, not black books.

Q: What was your inspiration to paint?

A: I’ve always been real into art. I took art in high school/middle school as much as I could and really loved to just draw and create. Moving to Los Angeles really brings graffiti into your life, it’s unavoidable. I can’t really say anyone inspired me to do graffiti, but more or less they supported me and my wants to paint and said go for it.

Q: How are you often stereotyped as being a female artist?

A: Stereotypes? Let’s see, one is that I don’t do my own graff, that my boyfriend does it, which he don’t, I do. And that I paint because of my boyfriend Mewr, which isn’t true either. I was into graff before I met him.  He just motivated me to stop busting on blackbooks and just paint.

Q: From a feminist standpoint, how do you feel being a female artist in a male dominated culture?

A: It’s bullshit, I think girls get fame and shit faster because they’re females, and yeah I guess graff must be hard for females or so they think. But they get props faster for doing the same shit. I don’t think it’s right. It should be equal, and I hate the fact that male writers assume you want to paint with them, for the simple fact that they want to hook up… Shit, I just want to paint.

Q: What does painting do for you? How does it make you feel?

A: I love painting; it’s a form of relief from a bad day. I can express whatever I feel in a bomb. It’s an addiction… and of course you like to see your spots running. 

Q: What is your favorite type of paint?

A: I like Krylons, Rustos, and American Accents. I don’t really care for Montanans and Ironlaks, unless I need a certain color. 

Q: Streaks or drippers? 

A: Streaks, they last longer, and you can tag just about anything but with drippers you can’t… Well, you kinda can but streaks are way better and readable. 

Q: How do you feel about graff crews?

A: Crews are alright; don’t really have much against them. 

Q: How do you feel about tag-banging?

A: I think that’s stupid really, come on, if they go over your shit just cap ‘em back or if anything get down. But killing over that shit is stupid.

Q: Do you think graff about “artistic expression” or “fame”?

A: Personally, I think artistic expression. Fame, I could care less. All it does is make someone cocky and feel they’re better. Fame comes along after a certain time. It’s just how you handle it that matters. 

Q: Explain your styles: Given or self-taught?

A: My styles are what you could say random. I do what I feel at the time, and if I like them I keep them. They are definitely self-taught. I like to have my own style, and not hear that it looks like “so and so’s” letters or style.

Q: How much of an impact have websites like 50mmLosAngeles.com had on the LA graff scene?

A: I’d say a lot, I used to hear some kid say I wanna be on 50mm and all he would do is bomb all the time. He still ain’t on 50mm. I think it makes kids want that fame.

Q: Who is Mew?

A: Mew is the guy who pushed me out into action. He never showed me how to paint or what to paint, he just took me places to paint. He made me learn on my own: how to look out for cops, what to do if chased and to be wise and know when I was too thirsty. He even made me do shit I thought I was too scared to do. You could say he gave me courage.

It was kind of like how Mexicans teach a kid how to swim; they just throw ‘em in the pool!