International Graffiti Day NOV 26th spraycan - 29.10.2002 11:23
INTERNATIONAL GRAFFITI DAY - Tues, November 26TH Say something real, a political comment, wake people up from the Industrial Trance, make people wonder, ponder, smirk, make us feel exuberant as we walk down the street Do your bit on Nov 26th - Graffiti – satisfaction guaranteed INTERNATIONAL GRAFFITI DAY Tues, November 26TH (spread the word!!) Why International Graffiti Day? Because it’s honourable to go out and claim public space from corporate mind polluting ads that infest every corner of our lives, only to try and sell us some dodgy, earth destroying product or mindframe. In this unfair realm where only the rich can afford to have their opinions and products heard and seen, graffiti is a way to claim back our living spaces, have a say, give common people a voice. Say something that’s real, that’s funny, that’s a political comment, that will wake people up from the Industrial Trance, make people wonder, ponder, smirk, make us all feel at home as we walk down the street, inspired, instead of assaulted by garbage advertising that makes you want to puke. Think of how much energy we all put into trying to ignore omnipresent advertising…YUK! Take back the streets, be the writing on the wall! Do your share for participatory living and share your thoughts, dreams and visions. Be brave, what do you want to say? Do your bit on Nov 26th. Why a Tuesday? Because a Tuesday morning is the quietest of them all, use your flair as you wish, but may I suggest a pre-dawn stroll or bicycle ride with a friend, a few ideas, and some paint. Some tips for the unfamiliar: Paint found in old tins in sheds can be made easy to use by pouring into average size plastic jars. Use a paintbrush. Put it all in a plastic bag in your backpack. It’s not as slow or as messy as you might think. Take a few rags for accidents. Latex gloves are good to wear so you if you get messy you won’t be caught red (or white) handed. If the job demands spraypaint, shake before you get out into a quiet street. When you’re finished writing turn upside down and give a little squirt – this stops it clogging, which is a frustrating thing. Some graffiti ethics include targeting public and corporate space/walls, not private people’s walls or places that you might respect, like a solar shop or something. Think first. Don’t forget good letter spacing and spelling Police Look out for them, which is why it’s good to go with a friend and take turns watching. Don’t do too much in one area. Have a good story ready (out for a lover’s stroll…), and be prepared for a possible arrest. I’ve been graffitting for over 10 years with not one problem, but always have a police plan ready, eg. Are you going to give a fake name (and carry no ID, have your address etc memorised), or a real one, and follow through with court and media releases on the issue, etc Remember, in the unlikely event that you do get caught, the charges and fine will be minimal, and like any political direct action, are worth the risk and ok to deal with when they occur. Have fun! Graffiti – satisfaction guaranteed |