I see street art and graffiti as art for the people. Anyone can walk up to a mural or a character and appreciate it; there are no barriers to entry like there are for museums and galleries. The genre is almost devoid of limits, the only ones being the size of the surface and whether or not you’ll get away with what you’re doing.
For me, street art and graffiti are cathartic. With a spray can, there is far less precision and control compared to a pencil or pen or adobe illustrator or some 3D design program. I feel free to experiment, make mistakes, and ultimately create beautiful work for anyone can enjoy, regardless of how they identify or where they fall on the socioeconomic spectrum.
Street art and graffiti also build community. Since I first held a spray can, I have connected with so many artists who are in the game for a myriad of reasons. Their passion inspired me to continue making and pushing my limits to develop my style. Whenever I go out to paint, I feel welcome among strangers walking by who say “nice job” or snap pictures of my work. The spectators and appreciators remind me what it’s all about at the end of the day: street art isn’t just about the pieces you create, it’s about the community that grows through the art.
