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.

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

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!

Hello May Lane

Before starting on this particular article it must be noted that all artworks shown remain the property of the artists and cannot be reproduced without their express permission. The 2095 chick is simply showing her photographs in order to share her experience.

The 2095'ers intro to May Lane was day that rained, where her brolly decided NOT to behave itself and her teeny tiny SX20 was somewhat new. 

Add to mix the 2095'er not being completely comfortable or familiar with the area at this particular moment in time, but any reservations or "fear" were abated  the instant her eyes clapped on the most magnificent wall of colour and detail.

The 2095 chick does not nor ever will enhance or over process images using software  

Trim yes, digitally destroy with over processing no

The 3D effect was mind boggling.  No matter what angle, no matter how far down the lane you went to achieve "the shot", it was pure perfection every frame. 

The 2095'er found the intricate detail so hypnotic she found herself thrust in to the "once I'm behind the lens I am completely in my own world" land.  And what a delightful place it is to be.

In an almost robotic manner, the 2095 continued exploring in wonderment, quickly realising that this is not a place where you "rush" through, for you may just miss something.

this piece remains intact for which the 2095'er & many others are most grateful

As with most "landmark" discoveries there are times when the 2095'er must simply shut up and allow emotions, heart palpitations and "oh my god" moments be shown via multimedia (nb: this clip does not comprise 100% Mays but also includes other firsts on her maiden Inner West voyage: thus becoming the impetus for the street-art revolution/obsession of the 2095'er)

It would also be remiss of the 2095 chick not to include her first introduction to the extraordinary world of Vexta.  The day was dark enough (with gloomy rain clouds) for the 2095'er to see exactly what this piece was in that it was designed to glow at night.

kindly reproduced with permission from Vexta

Like most discoveries or "first heart skipping moments", the need to return became unbearable.  Having to wait for another 12 hours was seemingly intolerable.  But given the location of the 2095'ers dwelling deemed it almost impossible to do otherwise.

But return she did and then some.  The beautiful thing about this particular place is that each week there will literally be something new, or a "work in progress" thus keeping it fresh and exciting. 

Nothing smells more beautiful to a photographer than that distinct aroma of paint. Clear indicator of new new new.

On one particular revisit as the 2095 wound her way on the direct route from St Peter's train station she noticed an artist and from a distance she pulled out this teeny tiny camera and got (well to the 2095'ers mind at least) a pretty good shot.

Confidence for once decided to be on the 2095 chick's side.  Walking up slowly and waiting until said artist was having a bit of a breather (literally), the 2095 struck up a conversation albeit it somewhat hesitantly at the start.

It revolved around folk going up at times, hurling abuse at him "why did you paint over what was there, we HATE it", to which the 2095'er replied "hell if they don't like they don't have to look at it" and from there the conversation flowed.  It wasn't until the end that he looked at me and said "we are actually 'connected' on flickr".

Jaw dropped: see the 2095 might know them by the street names rather than the "real world" names so it is always an incredibly humbling experience (and yes..even now the 2095 is always blown away when an artist walks up and introduces themselves then saying "oh your cap gave you away, everyone knows you wear a black cap") when someone whose work you admire from afar not only takes the time to talk to you but then says they already know you albeit by some form or other of social media!  No words can be found to describe that moment.

The piece below again is not strictly Mays and includes the immediate surrounds but hell, it's the 2095'ers blog....

Recently Mays has become Caroline but in an ever changing world there will always be one constant and for that we as photographers and lovers of art, (streetart, graffiti or whatever you wish to call it) are and will always be forever in your debt

May Lane Flickr Set

The Flour Mill

It was somewhat of a cool winter's day that the 2095'er decided to explore this location known as The Flour Mill.  

Having gone past it quite a few times on the way to work, the 2095 knew where it was, however actually getting there was an entirely different story.

Bearing in mind the her famous complete lack of geographical know-how, the 2095 began what ended up being an absolute epic of a journey which was to be repeated not once, not twice but THREE times.  Massive even by the 2095'ers standards.

Having painstakingly mapped exactly WHERE to go using the web as a GPS and hand written directions (left here, walk up three blocks, right here), the increasing frustration started to take it's toll on the 2095. "What's the bloody point!  I have made a complete balls up of it".

And just when she was about to throw the towel in she spied the light rail and out of the corner of her eye there was some colour!

FINALLY!  Eyes slowly turned upwards and there she was.  In all her glory.  The external of The Flour Mill.

All that was left to do was to work out exactly how to get to this place way on high. As with all perfect timings the heavens opened up.  The 2095'er was sufficiently encouraged to return when the weather behaved itself, she wound her way home content with at least achieving the goal of actually taking 2 photos.

Attempt number 2 again resulted in complete frustration having elected to walk down one of the main streets, the 2095 again became totally exasperated at the complete lack of a) streetart b) her ability to navigate what would eventually be a ridiculously easy route to nirvana.

Ok so 3rd and final attempt: SOUND THE TRUMPETS!  CLAP THOSE HANDS!  Yay....and then with a little bit of self chastisisation ("you idiot!  all you had to do was walk that last block!) and the spying of a very obliging bend in the fence, the 2095 chick climbed through and found what she now presents to you as The Flour Mill.

Recently this lot has finally had some movement and sadly the walls will become bare and sterile so The Flour Mill we commend you.

5 Questions with Apeseven

Being a Northern Beaches chick where the air is clean and there is always a nice place to walk, and not long after recently closing her small local business, the 2095'er elected to have a meander one morning around the "backstreets"of her locale to see if there could be the slightest chance of spotting streetart to capture on her then new Canon SX20.

By that she means, if you are on the hunt for street art in the 2095 region you have to cast your net veerrrrry wide and have much patience.

Luck was in!

all the while causing a little bit of attraction by standing in the middle of the cul de sac with her then teeny camera in an attempt to get a car-free shot.

It was with a sense of relief that at least there was something to be found that the 2095'er trotted on her way in search for more only to be somewhat disappointed, thus homeward bound she went.

A little later contact was made between the artist and the 2095'er where she was invited to a mini/junior Secret Wars type of an event and she jumped at the chance with an unreserved 'yes'.  

Sadly however it was not to be as in flew enza: whilst on the public transport the 2095 fell asleep with aches and pains, crawled home to bed and felt exceptionally sorry for herself at missing out on a) meeting said artist and b) seeing the tournament.

Fast forward to an Inner West jaunt and loving new discoveries, especially when it involved a little bit of self-talk (internally mind you) "ah ha!  love this!...Mister Apeseven sticker...love love love"

The 2095 was also aware of a door for a surf shop in her neighbourhood was adorned with this artist's work but waiting for a time when there was no traffic (eg: pushbikes right in front of it...if you thought cars were annoying, then pushbikes even more so cause you can't actually walk up and move them as the owners are usually right there!) proved almost impossible so a close up it was.

When and how did the world of Apeseven begin, including the tag name

It started around 2002 while backpacking/camping around Europe mainly.  I was so blown away with the calibre of graffiti and street-art there I knew instantly that I wanted it to be part of my life.

Your style is incredibly distinctive.  Do you like to stick with the familiar, or thrive when extending yourself in to unchartered territories

The fact that I am not a commercial artist means I get to explore, grow and evolve my works in ways that are challenging to me.

Having said that, a few group shows are coming up and making me go in directions away from pop-surreal.

Is there a relief of sorts when it comes to street: free style, no rules, no boundaries or are commissions more of a comfort zone with the rigid timetables and requirements from thems who pay money

I find street and gallery work both enjoyable.  

I do not do commissions, I paint what I want to pain and so far have been lucky enough that people appreciate what I do and part with their hard earned money

What has been your biggest challenge/installation to date

Biggest challenge was an animated short I made a couple of years ago...super fun but super long project at the time.  It payed off and I got great satisfaction from the process....now I just laugh at it.

Biggest installation has definitely been a wall I painted recently in Sydney: 22m x 4.5m

nb: not the piece referred to above but it would be remiss of the 2095 to not 

have at least one reference to the PM3 and this piece was ENORMOUS!

Where does the world of Apeseven see itself in say "seven" years

Doing exactly what I do now...exploring light, surfaces, ideas and showing people my journey.

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With a huge thank you to Apeseven for answering the 2095's questions and allowing images to be included for this little article.

To keep up with his goings on simply go here