Shepard Fairey Hearing Part 2 09/01/15

TL;DR

Artist discusses wheat paste, stencil-making, and street art process.

Transcript

hispanic and then you can do beautiful lyrical letters but white guys 19 you like missed your apprentice face it starts when you're six years old you can't do it so that was like i'm close to 20 years behind you know on this thing but that was just my ignorance um but i didn't want to i didn't want to get up in the same way so i was i had been doin... Read More

Key Insights

• 👨‍🎨 Transition from spray paint stencils to large posters led to scaling up of the artist's work.
• 🥰 Synthetic wheat paste powder is an efficient adhesive for street art poster application.
• 🛰️ Street art philosophy emphasizes free speech and reclaiming public spaces.
• 🫡 Advice for street artists includes caution, thoughtful location selection, and respect for law enforcement.
• 👨‍🎤 Artist's artistic journey began with homemade punk rock t-shirts, influencing stencil-making techniques.
• 💭 Utilizes common figures like Sid Vicious to play with genre cliches and provoke thought.
• 👾 Artwork integration in public spaces requires tastefulness and consideration for property value.

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired the artist to transition from spray paint stencils to larger posters?

The artist was inspired by the desire to scale up his art and take it to bigger platforms, moving beyond just spray paint stencils.

Q: How does the artist mix wheat paste for his street art posters?

The artist uses a specific brand of synthetic wheat paste powder that expands when mixed with water to achieve a gelatinous consistency suitable for poster application.

Q: What is the artist's philosophy when it comes to postering in public spaces?

The artist believes in tasteful integration of his artwork in public spaces, ensuring that it does not lower property value or pose a safety hazard, while reclaiming public spaces for free speech.

Q: What advice does the artist offer to aspiring street artists to minimize trouble?

The artist advises aspiring street artists to be careful, choose locations thoughtfully, and have a semi-legitimate excuse ready in case of confrontation, while also being respectful to law enforcement.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Artist shares journey from spray paint stencils to large posters.

• Demonstrates wheat paste mixing and application process.

• Discusses the philosophy behind his artwork and street art ethics.