5 Questions with Dog Fight

The 2095'ers introduction to DogFight was reminiscent of that with BlackCat and given that they are inextricably linked it is not at all surprising.

There was something about this style that caught the 2095'ers eye but what really struck her was how these stickers seemed to double in population on each of her streetart expeditions.

Always up for a bit of discussion with herself, the 2095'er reasoned thus: "he's obviously very tall and has no sleep OR he has a following of millions like the Pied Piper who simply drown in delight in slapping these babies up OR it's a combination of both" (and yes, the 2095 chick did in fact make silent self-talk to external "she's bonkers" talk on many such occasions)

From lightposts to handrails, doorways, street signs...this guy was EVERYWHERE!

Who is this dude she wondered.  

Then, as if stepping in to a brave new world, the 2095'er made what she fondly refers to as 'a cold call for cowards'. 

Why is it when not having a friend request accepted on social media it seems to be a less confronting or upsetting rejection than if by leaving endless, almost stalkingly like, voicemails sounding like an hysterical female who needs a life, which ultimately never get returned.

Fortunately the 2095'ers request was received positively and regular communicado began photographer and artist.

One of the 2095'ers observations was that whilst from a more city locale end of the Inner West was saturated with these dogs (as was the city itself), there didn't seem to be any on the other side of Edgeware Road and beyond.

And with that, here are my 5 questions with Dogfight

Who exactly is Dogfight

Well Dogfight isn't really anything.  The name "Dogfight" is just there as I needed some kind of name otherwise it's got to be over explained in conversation.  The amount of times I've tried to explain "Lil white dog character"!  It's just easier this way.

I use the name Dogfight regarding anything I do, whether it's graphic design, clothing, stickers or whatever...it's just a name.  I thought it sounded cool, I liked the idea of taking something that already meant something and giving it my own spin.

To me, I'm not even thinking about actual dog fighting, which is totally rank: I like dogs!  It's more about the "fight in the under dog", like saying "it's not the dog in the fight but the fight in the dog".

The underdog will rise kind of thing.

I came up with the dog character in its current form around 2001-2002.  I originally paired the dog with a pig character named Bacon and was gonna do a comic on the two of them named "Bacon Bones", but instead chucked em on some stickers and went about sticking them about the place.

After a while I scrapped the pig, stuck with the dog and came up with the name "Dog Fight".

I had gone under a few different names before then as well.  The actual dog character doesn't have a name or if it does it's just "dog" (like the Dog out of Footrot Flats).  It's just an every day dog, no particular breed or gender...purely a dog.

I wanted to create a character that could kind of exist in its own right.  I always have a Dot & The Kangaroo type thing in my head where I wanted the dog to live and exist in our world, but as a cartoon, where people could see and enjoy him without it really belonging to anyone except the viewer at that time, so obviously graffiti and streetart were the perfect outlet for that, as the dog could pop up overnight to inhabit an area without all the non-sense of who put it there or why, simply that it's here, you live here, it lives here, now play nice! 

I've never had the plan to be known myself.  In fact I often do things especially to reflect this.  I wanted the dog to be known: hopefully by the time I go the dog will just be known as an iconic trait of Sydney and my friends, family and son can continue it as a permanent fixture of Sydney's landscape....like pigeons and cockroaches (LOL).

From insanely HUGE paste ups to slap ups that fit nicely in the palm of the hand. How much planning time is needed for these enormously impressive pieces and do you choose the location prior to print, or is it more of a "print done, location will present itself when I'm out and about"

For larger posters/jobs, I will often have a location in mind and I'll just work out how big I can go, how many hands are required (if required), what the weather is like etc. Other times, I'll just load up with paint or a bucket and handful of posters and see what I come across.

For the most part, things aren't overly planned but when they are planned, I like to go all out and turn it into some Mission Impossible style venture but that's more to make an event of it and have a bit of fun; or if we are filming, gotta be extra careful. The only thing I know for sure is it will be The Dog.

You recently did a collab for a video with Big Dave.  How did that come about

Me and Dave work together on a hell of a lot of projects and will continue to do so for a long time.  We built a friendship after I had a quick prison visit.  He was basically saying what I was thinking which is what drew me to him plus he had design work, I had designs and we share the same work ethic.

A lot of people are just trying to get something out of something, whereas me and Dave built a bond over wanting to create something valuable from nothing with the understanding that it was the journey and the experiences we would take from it (which mattered most).

With that in mind, we both have priceless experiences, opportunities to meet people neither of us thought we'd ever meet and basically rip it up!

As far as this particular video project goes, he created the song for me back in 2011 so I could use it as music in one of my sticker videos.  He always liked the song as it's pretty rough and fun for him to rap and he wanted to do something new with it. He came up with the idea for the video and I was cool with that and the rest is history!

warning: if easily offended this ain't for you!

We have worked on a million things together in the past.  I did his debut album artwork as well as art for other acts on the KP Label, posters for festivals and other concerts for him: all sorts of jobs for things.  It's good!

Collab or solo

Solo is always good as after a few years you have so much experience under your belt: you know how you going to do things, the approach you take, the plan of attack etc.  And anytime I'm doing anything risky I prefer to be on my own.  I'm often a little over daring or perhaps even cocky in what I think I can get away with, so doing things on my own eliminates taking anyone down with me due to my risk taking.

If I'm with other people I choose to keep it pretty tame for the most part, although I choose what tasks I will attempt depending on who I am with.

I've got a very close circle of people that I can count on one hand, who are what I consider "the wrecking crew" (not an actual crew and not all artists themselves!), and they are the people I plan bigger riskier stuff with that often requires more eyes, more hands and a genuine trust and care for each other: resulting in everyone being hyper-vigilant to ensure the job gets done, done well and everyone stays safe, out of meddling hands and gets home.

photo courtesy of AWOL Monk

With that being said, I do enjoy good company on long walks and there's nothing like seeing you and your peoples art up in one spot with a united front.

Then there's the Cat of course (check out the 2095 chick's blog done with BlackCat "here").  Me and the Cat, well we just get the job done.  Often our stickers are done in the same format whether it's screen printed, Lino cut, digital print, hand drawn, square or circle.

That's because we sit there and make them together on whatever materials we have at hand and often experiment with and discover new techniques.  If I print stickers, I print hers too and she does the same.  So ours are often the same but different!

What does the world hold for DogFight or is it limited only by our own imagination

I'm not sure.  We play arts & crafts every day.  There will always be more Dog in all shapes and forms.

I also do a fair bit of airbrushing and other stuff so who knows.  No use saying something like "there will be exhibitions" or things like that.  Just take a walk down the street...the exhibition is on, it's free and damned colourful!

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Thank god for the universal gallery is all the 2095 chick can say.  

DogFight has also started a doco which so far has taken 2 years and in his words "it probably won't be out for another 2 years!" so here's a trailer of things to come

And you can buy some of this dude's amazing work (t-shirts, stickers etc) on his website.  So just click "here" and the 2095 chick reckons there just might be something for everyone!

5 Questions with Blythe Crowe

It's not often that the 2095 chick's memory fails on pinpointing pivotal moments in her life, moreover when there is a meeting between the artist and photographer.  In fact on many occasion she has been the "phone a friend" on matters of trivia, events (good and bad), and past lives in the industries she once worked.

But as she types the cogs begin to turn...dang there is NO way she can let this piece continue without being precise and exact!  She'd be letting Team 2095 Chick down for heaven's sake and that dear friends is a big fat no no in her books!

AH HA!  How could this chick be so remiss....of course...it could only be....it was as a result of her joining a certain group on a certain social media page focussing on a certain event which threw her head first into a certain world.

Nooooo....not this time.  No way is the 2095'er going to state the obvious.  For if you do not know by now, then you will simply have to read through previous blogs in order to ascertain exactly what it is she refers to!

Now that that is comfortably out of the way.

Whilst not having met in person due to geographic discourse, the 2095'er saw a post on AWOL Stencil's page asking for people to submit photos so as to be part of her project "People/Society" (an amazing range of images which you can check out "here"), photographic hand duly put up, the 2095'er was completely stoked to hers included!

Since that time the 2095 chick has been observing this artist's developing style and maturation and felt that NOW was the time to delve into the world of the artist known as Blythe Crowe.

Young artist up and ready to go.  When did you first realise you wanted to not only become an artist, but extend that definition to include street in your portfolio

I started getting serious about art when I was around 12 years old.  I had a passion for tattoos.  I loved the design, especially tribal art.

I taught myself line art which then led to tribal art.  About a year later I heard about this guy called Banksy.  That's when I fell in love with the idea of stencilling and painting the streets.

Ever since then I strived to make the world a more beautiful place, one brush stroke at a time.

Why stencilling

I was always amazed how something simple could be so beautiful and bold!  I loved how putting a couple of shapes together could speak so loud.

It makes you stop and take a second look.

You have done some incredible projects to date including stencil images of photos of people you have met via the wonders of social media.  What has been for you the most pivotal one that has a permanent place in your heart

The one that will always stick with me is a portrait I did of a baby who was born with a disability.  His mother's words still replay in my mind "this picture was taken two days after my life changed completely.  You see, I had plans to be a professional, to work in a high-rise in Manhattan.  When he was born with a disability my life went from climbing corporate ladders to knocking down barriers.  What is the saying?  'We make plans and the gods laugh'.  This picture reminds me that disabled people are human.  He looks 'normal' doesn't he?  Like the average sleeping baby.  It's why I am who I am today.  It's my blessing".

I have a disabled brother, so this story really hits home.  Her words express that every person, no matter what shape or size are beautiful.

These are the stories that make it all worthwhile.

Where do you see your future as both artist and street artist

I hope to spread my work globally.  I'd love to travel and spread a little inspiration everywhere I go.

My dreams are to pain Basel in Miami (Florida) and have a solo gallery show.

I don't aim to be the next Bansky and don't aim to sell my work for millions.

My goal is to inspire the next guy to follow his dreams.

Edge Gallery Collab Mural 2012

When can we (as in Australia!) expect to see you visit and adorn some walls with your work

Hopefully soon!  I've never travelled but Australia is one of the places I have the most fans (see Blythe's facebook page "here").  So it's definitely on my list of things to do.

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And the walls await you!  If you haven't already you MUST check out her website "here" and from there you can keep up to date with all stencil goings on via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr.....thank goodness for the fibreoptic world is all this chick can say.

5 Questions with Melinda Vassallo

Life at times can be curious and it was quite a while ago that the 2095'er accepted that whatever path you find your feet on should be embraced and if you hit a wall or stumbling block then don't push it, cause somewhere along the way it will re-present and take you where you were ultimately meant to be.

During the 2095'ers initial meet/greet with Konsumterra, one of his sentences during their conversation was "you've got to meet my friend Melinda.  You two would really get on".  "Sure!" came the 2095 chick's somewhat confuddled reply,  as she was still in the haze of "I can't believe I didn't have a crippling shyness attack and finally plucked up the courage to speak to a much admired artist" mode.

A few months later having bumped in to Konsumterra where a solo hunting expedition became a duo, he again said "you've really got to meet Melinda.  You two would seriously get on".

Whilst there actually was to be an actual face to face meet and greet planned, the forces of the universe must have deemed it simply wasn't the right time . Yet through the magic of the fibre optic world, the 2095'er not only became acquainted with Melinda, but found they do have many things (apart from the mutual love and admiration of all things street) in common.

One is zero tolerance for complete time wasters.  The second being a love of words on walls.

Welcome to my 5 questions with Melinda Vassallo

Your passion for street art is no secret.  When, how and why did this love affair begin

I have lived in the city for most of my life.  I have always loved seeing the writing on the walls; Bugger-up, political statements and the graff for as long as I can remember.  It was also so interesting to follow, like reading an uncensored paper.

Your book "Street Art of Sydney's Inner West": was this a spontaneous decision?

I used to watch what was happening on the walls around Redfern and Newtown in the 90's.  I enjoyed it, but took it all for granted.

When I moved to Erskinville I had a love affair with two major pieces.  Marchai's Got a Gun on Erskinville Road

and The Skippy Girls on Wilson Street.

In a matter of months it seemed The Skippy Girls were badly vandalised and house where Marchia's Got a Gun was being renovated and the mural destroyed.

I was unprepared for the amount of distress it caused me.  I was devastated to say the least.  It was a sign.

Some time after The Skippy Girls were restored by residents it make me realise there were more people out there, just like me, that loved these Murals and Graff.

I started thinking "someone has to document all this before it's gone!"

From planning to print: can you explain the process, duration and your sense of achievement upon seeing the final product as a bona fide publication to be held physically in hand rather than within the confines of "brain space"

I think if I had to really thought about the whole thing properly, I might never have done it.  I knew nothing about Graffiti/Street Art really.  I just knew I liked it and there were heaps of people out there who also appreciate it.

Firstly it was the idea I was responsible for documenting it all and before any notion of what I was setting out to do, I started to take photographs.  It was more like an obsession (and as with many others, the 2095 chick can totally relate to this).

I was mad with driving around and taking photographs.  It was fun, exciting, always changing and something new every day.  I talked, or I should I say bored my family and friends with it all until I thought "hell why not turn it in to a book!  I have the skills and knowledge to do it so why not!".

I applied for an Arts Grant and I was more surprised than anyone when I actually got it! I will always be grateful to Marrickville Council for that; it's what made the whole project a reality for me.

Research was hard in 2008 as most artists preferred to remain anonymous.  The book launch was a blast and it was the first time I  met most of the Street Artists.  I love that I did it and still can't believe it when I sell a book.

As with life, so does the perception and acceptance grows, expands and matures. How have you seen the street-art movement evolve and do you feel it is now being viewed as an "accepted" freedom of expression by the artist, therefore allowing itself to be placed within the politically correct and socially acceptable box of "art", rather than mindless scrawl or paint

Amazingly, the more I find out about the Graff/Street Art scene the more I feel how little I know!  If I had as much knowledge as I do now, I might not have assumed I could successfully write a book.

It was my vision for the book that the artists be heard and recognised for their passion and their art.  I also wanted the general public to recognise and value the walls of the Inner West as a living canvas.  Over the past years I have seen this all evolve with mutual respect from the public, council and artists.  I don't know if my book helped, but I sure feel pleased that is as socially accepted as it is today.

How would you sum up your love of street art in one paragraph

Street Art is the perfect gallery.  It is un-curated, alive, constantly changing and evolving.  It's out there free for those of us who are aware and have our eyes open.

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Before signing off this interview, the 2095'er (along with many many MANY people) would like to thank Melinda for her book, her continual and ever growing love for street art and on a personal note, for saying "yes" to be interviewed!

Now if you are interested in buying Melinda's book it's available for purchase at Better Read Than Dead in Newtown, Gleebooks in Glebe, Museum of Contemporary Art, NSW Art Gallery or online at Fineline Designs (click "here" for more info)

5 Questions with BlackCat Stickers

The 2095 chick first started to notice BlackCat Stickers just about everywhere she went. Difficult to exactly pinpoint exact time and locale cause when she says "everywhere", she means EVERYWHERE.

On poles, on windows, on doors, in doorways, on railings on mailboxes.  Initially always entwined with DogFight Stickers (and yes!  There is an upcoming interview with Dogfight Stickers so stay tuned to this station!)

Or with Cherry Bombs

Ashamedly, the 2095'er must admit that initially she really didn't understand what she was photographing.  To be absolutely honest, the "Spread the Love Project" appeared to be promo for an upcoming gig, but given the 2095'er love for her own black cat (fondly referred to as The Boof) she felt almost duty-bound to capture the image and then continue on her huntin expedition.

It wasn't until a return visit to her beloved Inner West, that she started seeing stencil like images appearing on quite a breath taking scale

artists: Rotar Uno, BlackCat Stickers, DogFight Stickers

and as with many street art experiences, once you see one, you see "hundreds" and this time, the 2095 chick knew what she was looking at it and started to quickly fall in love with yet another artist's clever work.

Again through the marvels of social media, contact with BlackCat was made and the chick will use this delightful segue as an intro to her 5 questions with the artist known as BlackCat.

When did BlackCat come in to "being"

I've always loved and appreciated street art and graffiti, but only started participating a few years ago influenced by my fella (a fellow street artist).  He got this gamer nerd off "Call of Duty" and outside! (finally!  the 2095 chick has found another chick who loves first person shooter games!  But for the 2095'er it has to be Battlefield 1942 Desert Storm: LOVE that adrenalin rush)

I just love going sticker bombing!  In our free time it's always sketching, creating stickers and going on sticker runs.

I love this city...Sydney...and I live in the thick of it!  Navigating the city is now a friendly experience.  I have met a number of Sydney sticker artists and traveling through the city I am welcomed by their familiar characters or lettering; always excited to see a new sticker they have slapped up.  I love seeing the back of a sign that began with a few sticker then in a week's time everyone's stacked on and completely collaged it.  It usually gets buffed pretty quickly but it's great interaction.

I truly believe that street art makes the world a better place, so I wanted to be part of turning this sometimes cold concrete grey city into a living breathing colourful and continually changing landscape in to an outdoor gallery for the people instead of a grid for corporations who get us to focus on their marketing and their "almighty" dollar.

My first sticker was a white cat with the text "Black Cat".  A lot of people ask why I create a white cat for Black Cat.  My cat is a fairer skinned indigenous cat like me; I wanted to put up a sticker that represented me like it was an introduction "Hi!  I'm here!".

Stencil, stickers of pasteups: do you have a preference or do they simply "present" themselves once you have formulated a theme

I love stickers!  Stickers are the best!  I love them because you can get a heap up at a time, so it increases the audience.  You can sticker up numerous stickers before you have even finished rolling paste on a wall or cut out a stencil. 

I also dislike cutting out stencils...too many years of gaming....my hands are stuffed!

I do like experimenting and love the variety that making stickers gives you.  For instance: the canvas...stickers, vinyl, shipping labels, anything sticker you can get your hands on.

The materials you can choose to create with: such as spray paint, block paint, lino prints, screen prints, digital prints.

Then finding the perfect place for them: I think the cool thing about the street is that while anything in a gallery space allows the work to speak for itself, it's the street that adds context: humour, rebellion, surprise, impact etc.  

A gallery is very static while the streets change and move and I love it when I see a sticker that has been left up for ages with the rain washing out all the colour, or it has faded over time from the sun: torn and weathered over time.

Even if it is capping an advertisement in a particular place it could totally change the meaning of the image.

Stickers never get boring.  I love seeing other street art stickers' progression: how the characters or lettering develop and change over time.  It's fun to put your sticker next to theirs and they will hopefully see it as you saying "hi" on the streets, then meeting them at a street art exhibition and say "oh so it's you who does those cute little characters"!

I haven't traded stickers much since I started but if you have the cash and send packs with some extra prints it's amazing when you receive return packs from all over the world.

When I was in primary school I used to write letters a lot to friends in Spain and Melbourne and I used to love checking the letterbox and receiving mail that was personal, pretty, colourful and fun.  People don't send letters anymore, so it (receiving sticker packs) is a return to that excitement of receiving mail that isn't just bills and junk mail.

Who or what inspires your creativity

I am inspired by computer game graphics, comic books, art books and looking at other peoples art.  So far I have created a few different cats and some stencils/paste ups of images that I think look iconic and strong.  They appeal to me, so I hope they appeal to other people.

Collab or solo

As my partner is a street artist too, we collaborate quite a bit in the process of making them (stickers, paste ups etc).  For instance, we might choose to lino print stickers so we will sit and cut out our prints at the same time and give each other suggestions.  

We have done a few collab stickers and I am definitely interested in collaborating with other artists more.

I also collaborate with my crew at Cherrybombs.  Admittedly not as much as I would like...mostly we are in different states and countries, but we have a couple of crew stickers we put up.

Massive shoutout to Beryl, Kwad, Missfit, Pat and Kicks!  You can check out their incredible work at our Cherrybombs page "here".

What can we expect to see from BlackCat in the near future

For "pasteys" (as I like to call them), I am keen to create warrior superhero women images.  For stickers I am currently working to refine my prowess in digital art on Illustrator and Photoshop.

I also dabble in photography so you my might encounter my photos in an exhibition or two.

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A perfect ending for a perfect interview with the feline provocateur known BlackCat with enormous thanks for giving the 2095'er time, insight and sharing some photos for this interview!

Where once a Leagues Club Stood

Once upon a time, in a land far far away, there used to be Rugby League teams that were known for their singularity, easily identifiable club colours, name and home ground.

These teams also had incredibly impressive "Clubs" where $5 got you an enormous plate of food, schooners were $2 (hence many a long night spent getting ever so slightly addled has been known to occur once or twice in the 2095'ers life) and the sound of poker machines "added" to the ambiance.

Somewhere along the line things got a little confused.  Money was nowhere to be found, clubs merged and became totally NOT what they used to be about and some their respective Leagues Clubs closed.

But for one it was a drawcard where some serious serious streetart was to be found.

It was a wet Saturday afternoon (seems most of the 2095'ers initial jaunts to new territories are somehow predicated with rain....must do something about that!) after work and the 2095'er thought just for a lark she would venture up towards Rozelle and meander around in the hope of finding something new and exciting.

Almost at the intersection of the busy highway, she turned left.  Something was telling her there was a building that needed investigating but damned if she could work out where it was.  A few more steps down this road she spied it.

A HUGE carpark from the rear, scaffolding everywhere but way up high on the top level she saw some colour.  Even more importantly that smell...that heavenly smell of fresh paint meant that there HAD to be something somewhere.

For once in the 2095'ers life she elected to walk around to the front entrance.  Bold as brass, on one the busiest highways in Sydney, car yards to one side, carpet worlds to the other, she walked in to the "helmets only" area, slid around the opening in the scaffolding and was rewarded with the singularly most spectacular piece that had not been tagged or capped.

A few more tentative steps and a slight turn to the left presented the 2095 with another amazing "partner" to her beloved Slug.

It was pure gold...and it was at that moment the 2095'er realised the camera battery was somewhat depleted so it was with stealth and diligence that she continued on this exploration.

There was something about this raw beauty that struck the 2095 chick who was determined to capture not only it, but its essence with very little editing (ie. cropping only).  

One thing the 2095 chick can state with absolute clarity is that she doesn't use any software to "touch up" or enhance.  Yes there is a time and place for "air brushing" and maybe HDR, but why ruin what already is beautiful with over processing to the point you can barely recognise it?  Also she doesn't know how...

As such here are a few frames of what may or may no longer be, in a place formerly known as the Tiger's Club.

While there are more to be seen, the 2095'er is always mindful of how many words and photos are appropriate per article.  So if you want to see more of this amazing place (keep in mind that it was pre sexy EOS110D days so tolerance and understanding is always wonderfully received) simply click "here".

The Unknown

Every so often (and at times most likely as the artist had originally intended) there are nameless works - or works that are actually tagged but not in a way that is easily readable or identifiable apart from those already in the "know" - that spring out of seemingly nowhere.

Conundrum therefore abounds.

Admittedly there are times when the 2095'er (and perhaps as with others, although maybe like the 2095'er they have difficulty admitting it to anyone other than themselves) might happen upon a paste up, sculpture or other form of art on the street that may, at the time, make absolutely no sense whatsoever and as such, you continue on your hunting expedition.

Such was the case with the nameless artist. Noticing an evolution or maturation even, of this particular artist's work and the frequency that their pieces "appeared" (or as has been noted in previous blogs once a piece has been spotted it somehow sticks with you and suddenly they appear "everywhere") it became within itself a little treasure hunt.

Despite valiant efforts by the 2095'er asking many of her street-artist friends/colleagues/comrades no one has been able to enlighten nor identify.

Therefore it is with delight that the 2095 chick presents to you an ode to an unknown and unnamed artist whose works she loves "a lot" (once again she cheekily makes a slight reference to her fave Aussie show "Rake"...you need to watch it, live it, learn it and then enjoy the ride!).

Is it Thoif?  Is it...well obviously the 2095'er has no idea so any feedback would be most welcome!

Feedback received!  It's Phool.  Huge thank you to a fellow street-art photographer for this info!  A girl can never have to many pieces of info, specially in the world of street art