Firstly, thank you for your time, what’s been happening?
Not too much man, just working drawing and partying mostly.
For those who are unfamiliar with you and what you do, can you tell us a bit about yourself and walk us through your typical day?
Well i tend to try and stay away from an every day routine as i get bored pretty easily, but i’m currently working for some clothing labels, designing and illustrating, if i’m not busy with that i would probably be painting something or drinking somewhere.
Who or what influences your work?
It depends what i’m trying to do at that point in time whether its a canvas or a wall or a design or whatever, but generally i like to look at a lot of different photography, shapes, colours, fonts, i guess anything i see can create an idea.
Typography, characters, aerosol, you’ve got it all on lock. What came first?How did you initially get involved with art, and how did that lead you in to writing graffiti?
Well first would of been just scribbling in colouring books as a youngster, shortly after i began writing graffiti. Graffiti always amazed me and has probably been my biggest influence, i think just noticing it around the streets as a kid and wondering what the story behind every piece was is what grabbed my attention.
when did you first pick up a can?
I was drawing letters for a while before i tried my hand at painting i think i was 14 going on 15
Do you think where you grew up has had an effect on your style today?
I can definitely say that the people i’ve hung out with and painted with over the years have had a massive impact on what i have learnt, but with technology today its definitely not hard to see what’s going on all around the world, compared to back in the days when you could almost tell where a artist grew up by looking at there style
On that note, in your eyes what is the difference between a writer and an artist?
Umm i think the easiest way to sum it up would be illegal and legal even though some people would disagree.
Do you put any thought in to trying to evoke a particular reaction or feeling in people when they view your work?
Most of the time no, considering other peoples views often comes into play, but trying to cater for others seems like a quick way to stop enjoying what your doing.
I see a bit of a tattoo influence through your work, particularly with some of the girls and roses you draw, is it something you’re influenced by or am i just seeing something that’s not there?Is tattooing something you’d ever try your hand at?
I have definitely moved that direction with some of my art, i love the line work involved in tattoos and the simplicity and the structure that the artists can use, although i have never had the chance to learn, it’s something i would possibly be interested in one day.
You’ve had your work involved in exhibitions, done work for various clothing companies how did all this come together for you?
i think a lot of it comes down to who you know, i’ve been lucky enough to meet a lot of good friends along the way that have been able to help me out.
On the gallery/exhibition note, what do you think about gallery owners exhibiting Graffiti orientated work? Do you think it’s becoming more widely recognised and respected as an art form, or do you think it’s more a case of gallery owners milking the cash cow and riding the waves of the Banksy effect?
I think its becoming a lot more popular as an art form but because of the way its portrayed in the media, there will always be shit loads of haters as well, as far as having graffiti in galleries i think it all comes down to the artist. If they are looking to make some money off there work then go for it.
On the plus side they might also be making illegal artwork more socially acceptable, but when it comes down to it if your going to paint something illegally in a public place then its really hard to control what the public will do with it from there on in.
Craziest place that you’ve got up?
In the past i would try to make anything i would do be as safe as possible, being put in a crazy position is normally just because of bad luck or timing.
How do you approach a new piece?Take us through your creative process.
Most of the time its a spur of the moment thing, i wish i could say more thought went into it but normally i enjoy it a lot more if i can just do whatever i feel like
How do you think Graffiti has changed or evolved since you began writing? Do you think the younger generation of writers have the same intentions and mentality as you and those who came before you did when you first started?
I think the internet has played a massive part in how its changed, i haven’t been around long enough to see an extreme difference but from what i’ve noticed in the last few years is it seems to have become a lot more of a trend then when i started.
Do you think the internet has played a positive or negative effect on a whole
It has its ups and downs, as far as communicating goes its a big help, staying in touch with people you meet and sharing photos, so on is obviously alot easier now but when it comes to all the bull shit in forums and the bad attention they can create i think they’re a big negative.
And in saying that, what do you think about the state of graffiti today, particularly here in Aus?
Some of the stuff people are doing here is crazy, and the progression is ridiculous but as far as graffiti goes it all comes down to your own personal opinion. The biggest craziest most colourful piece is not always the best.
I guess the aim of the game when it comes to graffiti is to get up and be the biggest, in turn crushing other writers, and battling it out with the can, did it ever go past fighting with paint for you?
Haha, i think that is the general expectation but personally i just enjoy it. It’s hard to explain but its like a creative escape, there are no rules or boundaries. As far as the fighting side goes, your sharing an art form with a massive variety of people that are bound to clash at times, so in answer to your question, yes, but it seems like nothing is ever gained.
Do you think that graffiti will go down the same path as tattooing, from a frowned upon (at least in the last 100 years) underground scene to a mainstream movement?
I’d say as long as the majority of graffiti getting painted is without permission then its hard to picture it becoming to mainstream, in saying that with some of the quality work being done its also quite easy to see some graffiti becoming a lot more acknowledged as a higher art form by some of the public.
To the general public and authorities, there is a very fine line between what is considered art and what is considered vandalism and/or crime, Victoria recently introduced some straight Nazi style Anti-Graffiti laws, what are your thoughts on that?
It’s hard to comment, i can see where they are coming from, obviously a lot of people dont appriciate graffiti, but you would think with all the shit going on in this world there are a lot more important things then some letters on a wall.
What’s in your pockets right now?
10 cents and some sand.
What have you been reading, listening to and watching lately?
I’ve been reading emails, listening to it rain and i watched half of American Psycho before work if that counts, haha. d
What are five things that you always pack with you on your travels?
I normally forget something pretty important but if all goes to plan i’d aim for ipod, camera, socks, money and if i have one at the time a phone.
We live in turbulent times, what are your views on the world and society today?
There is a lot of fucked up stuff going on, i don’t agree with a lot of decisions that are being made or trust society or our government for that matter, maybe i’m just paranoid but i try to keep an open mind none the less.
Advice to up and coming artists?
Relax.
Anything coming up that we should know about?
Possibly Interpol’s new album
Word association, you know the deal, say whatever comes to your mind when you read the word.
Australia – home
Julia Gillard – Useless
America – Rap
Obama – Fake
England – Punk
The Queen – Puppet
Legal- 16
Illegal – 15
Religion – Anti
Time – Flys
Greed – Not worth it
Humanity – Massive
Peace – Dreaming
Freedom – Temporary
Art – Obsession
Graffiti – Addiction
Life – Brief
Happiness – Simple things
Where can people follow what you’re up to and view your work?
http://johnkayedesigns.tumblr.com/
John Says:
R.I.P. Biggie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXAsfKWLjGo&feature=player_embedded#!
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