Kickin' it Ole Skool....

It's funny how there are certain people that you meet over the course of your life who connect with a big piece of your soul. On some occasions this connection slowly develops with time, yet others the moment you meet them they smile and speak to you like it has always been.

One special person in my life was a mentor. 13 years ago after a chance meeting involving our love for Volkswagen beetles and Taco Bell.  It was soon realized that we both used Krylon as our preferred medium. One artist was an expert, a well versed, traveled, and experienced street warrior. The other artist, myself, was young, naive and making the transition from drawing on paper to working with canvas and various surfaces/ landscapes.

To this day I wonder how fate crossed our paths. I also recognize that I must just be thankful that someone was willing to show me the ropes, getting me out into the streets and sharing my guerrilla art form with our world. I must say that watching a talented visioneer draw, paint, and write was more than inspiration, it helped to shape me as an artist.

At this particular point in my life this friendship helped show me focus, drive, and kept me out of trouble.... Well, for the most part, outside of slingin' the spray paint. (Which, by the way, is an entirely different post for a different time!) I don't even know if he fully realized that I was actually paying attention despite my ever present and aloof state of childlike wonderment. Beauty in a can. Political discussion to prompt casual awareness. Pieces of true art from the heart to outshine the trash and rust - the crumbling urban landscape we called home. I had found my favorite distraction and a mentor.

Just wanted to take a moment to say "thanks yo" to that special Bad Ass. You know who you are. If you read this you will know too. Keep on creating, you're making more than just art.