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Graffiti Interview - BENS and GATER

Here is a little dialogue with Bens and Gater, to get some insights on their thoughts about the current state of graffiti and some other related topics. Both agreed to speak candidly being comfortable behind the anonymity of their assumed nom de plumes. This will be the first of several such interviews and the goal is to explore the vast array of ideological circumstances that mold graffiti writers. KAI1

Gater


K: KAI1: Alright dudes (in dickhead tone) – what do you guys write? What crews?

G: Gator: One, I only write one crew … UK.
B: Bens: Shit man… Bens One. Don’t give me attitude either. I write UK.

K: What did you dudes write as toys?

G: That’s a previous lifetime buddy, not even worth mentioning.
B: I wrote Dense back in the day and then a bunch of other toy ass names.

K: What is the last thing that you stole? How long ago was it?

G: I take the fifth sir.
B: About 600 dollars worth of supplies from my work this past weekend. (Laughing)

K: What is the dumbest thing that you’ve ever done?

B: Shit I gotta search my memory banks for this one… it was when I beat up the homie Jets and then they were only gonna only take him to jail because he was too drunk and then I asked the officer if I could go to jail with him.
G: I was walking around with headphones on doing marker tags during the day. I wasn’t looking and a lady cop rolled up on me in her car. She jumped out on me but I sidestepped her, pushed her down, and then kept on running. I got a good distance away but ended up getting tackled down by some other cops right in front of my friend’s house. His dad saw the whole thing from his window.





K: Is graffiti worse than doing drugs? Why?

B: Way worse – it ruined my life – I’m serious drugs didn’t even come close.
G: Yeah, more addicting with less results.
B: I prefer doing graffiti while on drugs though.

K: Do you believe that God exists?

G: Of course I believe in God cuz... uhh... uhuh…actually cause TV told me. (Deadpan serious) From my TV education, I believe this to be true.






Gater


K: Do you think that god hates graffiti? (Awkward silence and then laughter.)

B: Naw … not at all … why would he give it to us if we weren’t gonna use it?
G: Um no, I believe it be that he finds it one of the more amusing jokes that he plays on society.

K: Aren’t you too old to be doing this shit?

B: Definitely – way too old.
G: I’m only 19 son.

K: Favorite color as expressed by a color of Rust-oleum paint?

G: Chrome….it gets you the most huffed if you ever alone on a bombing mission. Bens here has been known to huff it to get his balls up.
B: (laughing) Harbor Blue.


UK


K: When was the last time you slept in the street?

G: Last night.
B: Never – like 5 years ago.

K: Do you think graffiti is worse than drunk driving?

G: Oh no by far not.
B: Yeah – I haven’t been caught drunk driving yet but I have been caught at graffiti and it sucked.

K: Have you ever drunk drove, done graffiti, and looked at porno all in one night?

B: I'd have to say yes buddy.





K: Have you ever beat anyone’s ass over graffiti?

B: Fuck dude (he asks around) I don’t even know just some little toys at a party that I mopped up once when I was all pilled up.
G: Not over graffiti but I did almost have to defend my self from a drunk chick that was like 6”3’. I just broke a bottle and looked at her all crazy.

K: Do you believe that graffiti is morally wrong?

G: No.

K: Is graffiti a gateway drug?

B: Naw man that’s weed stupid..
G: It’s more like a gateway crime.

K: Is graffiti a symptom of underlying emotional problems?

G: It’s like why some dudes wanna drive fast cars. NawhatImean?
B: Yes absolutely (laughing) for me it’s having a small dick.

K: Is it wrong to tag on someone’s house?

G: I guess.

K: Have You?

G: Of course.
B: Id have to say yes. Maybe a garage door or something. I would only tag someone’s front door if it was already killed with tags or I had personal beef with them.
G: Or if it’s a really good spot.





K: Do you pay taxes?

G: When I have a job.
B: Uh you know what… I didn’t pay this last years past… I’m prolly gonna get in some kinda trouble for that shit.

K: Do you hope that your kids end up doing graffiti or do you hope they find a real hobby?

G: I’m sterile.
B: (Half serious) I hope my children grow up to be axe murders and rapists. I d be real proud considering the way the world is.

K: Thanks





Comments

Have you ever tagged a person? If so, skin or clothes?

i know these two dudes!
two more favorites, i got messed up hanging out at gators apt. on some Bookers whisky,and smoking some
purple and green stuff. there's always something good
in the freezer for me.
ultra kill

I would like to ask you a few questions,

1. how did graffiti enter your life?
2. what inspired you to make graffiti?
3. what year did you start making graffiti?
4. do you have any freinds that do graffiti with you?

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