It's always been about the paint

January '74

January '86

January '86

Photo credit:  My Dad, Peter the Leader

If you have been following along since the beginning, you will recall that my first post about Graff was on Jan 19th 2011 (see it here).  I mentioned some pix my dad had shot of me in NYC. Here you have them. Just like the wall, everything about these pictures tells a story:  Dad's Army jacket.  Guess jeans (ha!).  Socks over jeans - how totally 80's is that?  Pink Converse hi-tops nicked from MTV's 1986 New Year's Eve Ball.  That sparkly pin - an absolute treasure - a hand-me-down from Arline.  Hair - shaved underneath (Thanks Katy).  I still have the pin, wish I had the shoes and jacket. 

Plus one shot of me at 5 years old with crazy hair and paint on my hands and a look on my face my family will tell you is fairly common to this day.  It's always been about the paint.

When I began this blog I had no idea what direction it would take. I wanted to kick start my creativity and practice, practice, practice my photography skills.  All I knew was I needed to get back behind my camera after too long away and, although I had no idea what I'd shoot, I knew inspiration would find me.  So, here we are 9 months later and for the most part 3lilbirdz has become a blog about street art and graffiti.  I couldn't be happier then when I am climbing around under a freeway or wandering an alley or chasing an email tip to some treasure most people would scoff at or worse, never even notice.  One man's trash... yanno?

Slaps

Bad Planning On Your Part Is Your F'in Problem

Battle Anoy 663 OES REM

Dead

 Artists Unknown (but prolific)

MssN (w/ Dead and other tags) 

 really look close, check out the detail.

RCS SWC Jear(?)  - Postal Slap

Skull (Bandit?) and Tooth/Jewel

Dead?

I've been in New York for a week at The Flammable Heart Exhibition.  So much fun!  I have lots to tell you and, even better, a shit ton of pix to show you.  Would you believe I uploaded over 440 pix into my little MacBook Pro?  Anyway, it will take me a little time to edit so in the meantime am offering y'all an appetizer.  These stickers were all found in my backyard.  Awesome stuff.  Keep it up, boys (and girls).  Ya know I'm right behind ya flickin it all up.

Attention to Detail

Batler

Eko 254P GCF 

Flert

Flert

Artist Unknown

JAYD

JAYD

Mode?

Mode ?

RIP MoDeR - Artist Unknown

Mosaic - Artist Unknown

This is all done with a roller, maybe a brush here and there and markers but mostly it's done with spray cans.  Spray cans!  Check out the precision, the attention to detail.  Look at the color combos, the shading, the fades, the high and low lights. This is skill, Baby! This is talent, knowledge, style, craft, design, constant practice and undeniable passion. This is art.  Ok, so it's illegal.  It's still art. You don't have to like it or even approve of it but you do have to acknowledge it.  Appreciate.  Respect.  Catch it while you can for it won't be there long.

By the way, the artwork you see posted above?  Completely hidden.  Yet millions drive right by every single day without a clue that it even exists.  Thanks Boys.  So very happy I got to spend time with your work.  Long may it ride.

If you want to see full pix check out my Flickr Stream.