A moon licht bricth tonicht

There are times for the 2095 chick where music and compilations of graff must be shared.  She is not quite sure from where this "urge" is derived.  

Is that she is a "frustrated" artist perhaps?

Might it be that it is simply a desire to express using two of her passions: music and streetart photography?

Or is it that a theme simply presents itself and from there everything magically appears to fall in to place.

Who knows (one could debate the idiosyncratic nature of the 2095 until the end of time, and perhaps provide some head doctors with interesting fodder), but whichever way you choose to look at it, there is one constant in the 2095'ers world: passion and that passion needs an outlet and that outlet results in to the little vids below!

Once upon a time the 2095'er was a member of The Sydney Film Festival and went to a most intriguing talk on how music influences our perception of a visual, whether it be tv, film or even a streetart slide show/montage.

Enjoy and make of it what you will....but there is one thing to keep in mind: the theme. Are you able to work it out?

being a fan of a certain series involving a psychopathic serial killer is pretty obvious here

Take note: what the brain hears may influence the viewer's conclusion as to what the 2095'er had intended when creating...which for the hoi polloi might be the definition of "art".

Thanks for watching!

5 Questions with the Real Resan

It was during a sojourn around the back streets of Enmore the 2095 chick stumbled upon (and this time literally stumbled as it was garbage collection day) a piece that was both breathtaking and stunning in its simplicity.

The 2095'ers preferred method of "hunting" is to walk. From this there a few benefits with the obvious one of "apparently" being fit.  However the main objective is to meander, get lost, get found, find new things, check on old friends (if you will) and let the world take you to wherever you were destined.

Thus on this particular trip the final destination was Marrickville. There is a golden rule of thumb when scouting/hunting for photography: always but always re-visit known areas "just in case".  Well this "just in case" was richly rewarded.

With the expression "ours it not to reason why" here are my 5 questions with the Real Resan.

As they say, curiosity killed the cat (or in this case the 2095'er), but is there another Resan which is why you are the Real Resan? 

Or perhaps what is being rather clumsily asked is what is the reasoning behind your street name?

The name Resan came about when I got frustrated and bored with the letters in my old graff name.  I decided to write out the alphabet, circle my favourite letters in no particular order with the outcome being R-E-S-A-N.

I had very few original letter combinations considering there was already an Anser and Saner, so I ended up with Resan.  

I realised there was some depth to the word and came up with my own meaning, which stemmed from the French word "sans" (without) and the prefix Re (return again and RE: (regarding or in reference to).

For some reason it stuck with me as I have always had a fascination with the emptiness or "The Void" and the beauty that comes from this space, but is so often missed.  I think of the word "Resan" as "Return to a State of Nothing".  

There's a quote that has always stuck with me "it's the space between the notes that makes the music" (Miles Davis) and I think that heavily influenced the name.

The "Real" part is a bit of a pun....I found people wondering how to pronounce my name.  Most people say "Reason", "Resin" or "Re-San".  I like that everyone has their own interpretation and don't want to correct them in any way, because really it's just a made-up word.

I'm a fairly skeptical person so I took "reason" in the sense of motives and the "real" reasons people do what they do.  

The other half of the phrase is a pseudonym.  "Resan" combined with the hip-hop philosophy of "Realness"...I'm Real!

What is your preferred medium, or do you find yourself at times becoming increasingly frustrated as the artist within seeks outlets that may not have availed themselves thus you create on a "needs do as needs must basis"

I've always scribbled and drawn, so drawing has always been natural and something that will always be close to my heart.

But ever since I picked up a tin of paint I have become obsessed.  Spray painting is one of those mediums that has infinite potential and is a perfect combination of drawing and painting.  The difference lies in the way you use it.

I've had training with more traditional mediums like oils and acrylics 

but neither of them seem to have the same energy as spray paint.

When I went to art school, I always pushed away from those traditional forms, but have recently adopted them to a greater extent, basically because I'm poor and can't afford big canvases or spray paint.

In that sense, I use what I can to do what I have to do.  To answer your question: whatever will do, so long as I can do what I must.

Who or what inspires you work

Inspiration comes from everywhere. I'm fascinated by emptiness, technology, psychology, philosophy, the future and conspiracy theories.  Each has their own basis, the unknown. I think the mystery and thirst for knowledge attracts most people...or at least the people I want be around.

The company that you keep and your environment (whether it be art, music, location, friends or family) contributes to the understanding or perception of these things, so it's pretty hard to pinpoint a specific source of inspiration.

We have recently seen some incredible collab work (which is always breath taking upon discovery by the way).  It might seem like a ridiculous question, but how do you guys divvy up the spaces (eg: when it's in a more confined location as opposed to a massive wall)

TerHor, Ox King, Real Resan

Collaborations are always hard.  I'm pretty stubborn when it comes to artwork so the people I collaborate with have to work well with me and vice versa.

In terms of divvying up the space, it really depends on the wall, what we're painting and who I'm painting with.

I tend to go with the flow so am not too fussed how much space I have to work with, so long as I know the person I collaborate with have works that fit. 

I've been lucky enough to work with some pretty talented local artists, who are all great people and am proud to call friends.  It makes for an easier collab when you work with people who understand you on a personal level.

In that way I really love working with OX.  Despite the difference in our styles & techniques, we click really well on a personal level and have a good understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses: perfect for collaboration work.

Real Resan OX King

He can tell when I've missed something I can do the same in return.  It is always helpful to have a second opinion so you can pick up on mistakes you may have otherwise missed so that the outcome is exactly was it had been "planned".

Your piece is as much theirs at it is yours.  This also gives insight to your own strengths and weaknesses.

I learn something from every artist I meet and they push me to do my best whether they realise it or not. It's all healthy competition.

I've met some big players in my time but have to give proper shout outs to those I'll always hold love for so here it comes!

OX King, Roter, TerHor, SMC3, Bafcat, The Dirt, Caryn G, Houl, Fingers, CSFB, Comfy, Skulk Birdhat, Hules, Blomtrog, Knomes, Ryan Boserio, Andros, Jerry Walsh, Bombs (RIP), Sek2, Pragz, Lasek, Chris Yew, Hyper XX, Mum and but not least....the dude who got me in to painting on walls by big brother Gabs.

Do you find at times your personal world colliding with your street world or does it flow and it is what it is

When I was a pure letter writer I used to keep it separate but as time has moved on I've found my personal life and beliefs have collided more frequently.

There are times now when it's hard not to include my current mood or intentions within my work, particularly since bringing more focus to my fine-art work.

At times the meeting of these paths can be cause for some of my favourite work but can also be a heavy downfall: heartache can drive you to put everything in a piece but the wear and tear of a day job can drain any creative drive you have.

It's recognition of the right times when to work and when to quit that makes a good artist.

It's something that I continue to strive for and something I may never learn.

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On that final note my thanks to the Real Resan for sharing some of his story and allowing reproductions of his works to be used in this piece.

5 Questions with Andros

The meeting between Andros and the 2095 chick was directly linked to the infamous Outpost but with a twist.

I had been posting some of my images up on a group page dedicated to PM3 and a compliment "oh you found mine!"

Shortly after, I received a pm via FB asking if I would be interested in doing some preview shots for what was to be the inaugural Painting Grounds Live.

Who was I to say no!!!! 

Admittedly the 2095 had that ridiculously in-opportune almost paralysing fear/shyness rearing it's head but once met, handshake done and a train trip later I arrived at Tortuga and was thrust in to a magical world of creativity, meeting artists (whom I must confess I had absolutely NO idea who they were as it was formal rather than street-name time) and then getting hopelessly lost behind the lens and loving every minute of it.

It was also a "lightening" moment for the 2095'er as she had unbeknowingly taken a photo in May Lane of one of his works waaaay back in the day.  

Part of my hunting down new art ritual includes always checking to see if little pieces are still there and so far this little baby is!

Here are my 5 questions with Andros.

Can you give a little bit of insight behind your street-name and the beginnings of Andros.

Well back in ye olde highschool days, one of my mates used to say "any enemy of Andros is my enemy".  I think he got that from the Nintendo game Lylat Wars, and the name has stuck since then.

I would say what inspired me to get in to street-art was travel and what I had seen from around the world, especially my trip to France in 2009.  That was when I started to get interested. 

Every now and then would go for a paint with friend, got to know more people who did it, started collaborating with other artists from the UK and USA and was involved in a project "Collaboration Nation" which is when someone starts a sketch, it gets shared amongst 4 people who each add their styles/techniques the piece thus making a really interesting clash of styles which blended in quite well together.

I began to spray paint more around 2010 when I met a few other street-artists and we would occasionally get together as a group, go out for a paint at a warehouse or at walls where we had permission to do so.

How did your signatures style evolve.  Do you prefer the raw of street or the confines of conformity

I would say my style has evolved from sketching and always being interested in cartoons which have influenced my style: sometimes giving it a witty or dark sort of vibe to it.

I have also been studying which has evoked different styles yet always leaving elements from my street-art, allowing it to evolve  and always trying to explore new characters and ideas.

I am enjoying the confines of conformity but I dig the rawness of the streets and how everyone kind of works together in one way or another.  I have met a lot of people who have inspired me along the way from all types of art backgrounds.

Your development and "birth" of Painting Grounds (which was a phenomenal success) came on the tail-end of the Outpost.  How difficult was it to not only come up with the concept but deliver the goods.

I got the name "Painting Grounds" literally from a jar of paint on my table which had the words "painting ground" written on its side.

I came up with the concept because I love live art and the atmosphere at exhibitions.  I thought what a perfect place (Tortuga) to deliver not only that experience but have it combined at one event.

one of the many preview shots of Painting Grounds 2011 

by the 2095'er

Show living art was done at previous events and I invited all the artists who had been involved to join, along with new friends I had met along the way.  I think there were 15 artists doing live art on opening night.

Painting Grounds 2012 had 23 artists: some who also did live art.

It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be to organise because I had quite a few friends helping out on what was turned out to be an amazing event.

The 2013 line up will be bigger and I hope and I am looking to doing a couple of side events in the not too distant future.

Which is your preferred medium or does it depend upon the project in hand

My preferred medium is pen and paper, but I do like to use acrylics and copic pens. Spray paint is also a fun medium to use and is quite addictive once you start to paint with it.

Are you able to define your art/streetart in 5 words

Mashup of styles & humour

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The 2095 chick has a massive gratitude towards Andros for it hadn't been for his initial contact she may have not met some of THE most amazing artists and she looks forward to seeing what the world of Andros will bring

5 Questions with Mizter Crystalface

My first introduction to Mizter Crystalface's work was (like with most things street-art) and accidental.  I was wandering around the dock yard area of Balmain, it was raining, I was once again getting hopelessly lost, and to cap it off I had the flu: it wasn't a great day.  

Just as I was ready to concede defeat, I spied a weird little freehand on a wall & felt myself being drawn towards it.  Not wanting to defy the street-art-gods & being subject to their wrath, I took my first photo (of turned out to be my then latest and yet still current obsession) Kois.

On the ferry back to 2095 I attempted to get the pronunciation correct: is coy'is or Ko (as in Do Re Me) Is. Eventually shrugging my shoulders with defeat, I got home, switched on my PC (which the 2095 must proudly shout that she now has an Mac!) uploaded the image, entered the tag and that was that.

My next encounter was at Chippendale. Same style but totally different tag name.  

It was breathtakingly beautiful.  A defining moment as I was then presented with another pronunciation conundrum: Soke-eye.  Socke-ee.  Rather than continue with the "how do I pronounce it game", the 2095'er made the monumentous decision: it's Sokei.  Turns out I was right!

Here are my 5 questions with the man behind the Sokei and Kois: Mizter Crystalface

Your work is so intricate, the point of being hypnotic. How long does it take to create a piece such this?

Well making them is very hypnotic.  I get in my own head-space when I'm doing them and I don't really notice how much time goes by.  It's very therapeutic.  I think my current profile image (as seen above) took me about 2 months.  Most works take a couple of months, others (like my latest) too me well over a year AND I'm still working on it.  But I don't worry about the length of time.  I just really enjoy doing them

You also have other personas.  What is the genesis behind each of their street names?

Yes, my other "personas" haha!  I've always liked the idea of hiding behind a strange name and no face.  I became recognisable under was the graffiti writer KOIS.  I wrote Kois when I was pretty down on life and sort of screwed up in the head.

I painted faces without the tops of heir foreheads, or scars across their skulls as though their brains had been altered.

I'd write things like "Kois eats razorblades","kois the psychotic meds junkie" or "i like pain".  I thought that stuff was very funny. And back then graffiti was a great outlet for me.

SOKEI became the new graffiti word when I started getting a better name, more positive understanding on life.  I chose the word "sokei" after I heard about a man who started the first Zen Institute of America.

His name was "Sokei-an".  Later in life he got arrested by the FBI because the American Government though he was an "enemy alien" working with people who orchestrated Pearl Harbour (which he wasn't).  I'd write stuff like "cellar door" next to my faces or "hive mind".

I chose "crystalface" after some amazing experiences in 2011.

I became interested in dreams, meditation, transcendental philosophies, geometric patterns, numerology, mandalas, colours and the subconscious mind.

I decided that I'd try to pursue a career through making pictures and try to incorporate certain ideas in to them.  (I don't actually remember why i chose "crystalface" but I think it had something to do with seeing crystals everywhere).

When you are a on creative roll are you a "do not disturb til I'm done" or do you focus to the point of insanity?

I'm always drawing.  I am drawing when I'm around my friends.  I draw at parties.  When I'm lying down in bed.  When I am on a bus or plane or train.  And I've especially begun to enjoy drawing while I'm camping at bush doofs and festivals.

I would say that creating pictures has become an addiction and obsession for me. I feel I'm wasting my time if I'm not drawing or doing something constructive.  I'm definitely NOT a "do not disturb" kind of person.  I always enjoy company while I work.

You also enjoy collabs.  What can we look forward to in the near future?

Yeah collabs are great.  I've done a few small ones in the past with Cheungha Lim, Slug, Animal Farm, Texas, Joe42, Air Space Ark, Andros, Clint Bautista, Terrible Horrible and a few others.

Painting Grounds 2011

I've also tried to organise some with other aritsts like Yvette Marie Tziallis and an artist from Sweden that I really like to call "Johannek".  Still haven't got around to doing those just yet.

How often do you get back out on the street, or do you find yourself now studio-bound and restricted by time frames?

I've always got time and freedom to do things and I still go out and do a little stuff on the streets....just not so often anymore.

I think my drive to do "street art" has pretty much gone.  I still do commissions and paint people's walls, vans & bedrooms (usually for free if they provide the paint), but I find drawing and making posters, t-shirts stickers for people much more rewarding.

I still love graffiti and using spray cans and paint brushes, although I enjoy using pens and digital mediums a lot more now.

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Massive thanks to Mizter Crystalface for not only sharing a bit of your story but allowing me to use some of your photos in this blog

Mr Crystalface