Does Graffiti Writer Interview

INTERVIEW WITH GRAFFITI ARTIST: DOES

Where are you from?

I live in Sittard, a small city in the south of the Netherlands, Europe near the German and Belgian border.

What do you write? and is their a story behind that name?

My writer name is “Does”. Does is the third person singular of the word “to do”.

I first used this name when I started doing graffiti in 1996. I did my first piece in 1997. ” I was fourteen years old at that time.

How would you describe your style?

My style is a combination of a basic style and a wild style with some graphic influences. I tried to developed my 3d blocks in another way than the basic 3d blocks. I like to play with forms, technics, colours, spaces and effects.

I am still trying to develop my style. I want to get better every week and for me getting better means changing. A few years ago I did some 3D pieces and I focused on the effects. Now, I focus more on every letter separately.

What are your thoughts about the current graffiti scene where you currently live?

The most active writers in my city are Nash, Bambie, Tumki and myself. It is a small scene, but we have a lot of starters and new talents. In the past the scene was a little bigger. The only writer from the early eighties who still paints is Nash.

Have you done much or any commercial work, would you be up for It?

Yes I do commercial jobs sometimes, but I prefer to use my time to develop my style.

What crew(s) are you in?

I am a part of the LoveLetters. It is an international collective with members from Germany, Swiss, France and the Netherlands. The crew started out with 4 members (Nash, Tumki, Chas and Does) and we expanded by inviting individual writers to join the crew. LoveLetters now consists of 10 members, the following writers joined the crew: Dare, Dater, Ozer, Sean2, Biser and Rusl.

The other crew I represent is the Ironlak team Europe. The other crew members are Storm, Banos, Bates and Wany.

The other crew I represent is the Ironlak team Europe. The other crew members are Storm, Banos and Bates.

What is Graffiti all about to you?

Graffiti is a way of life. I personally need to do graffiti to feel good. It’s a perfect distraction from the everyday routine.

Do you think Graffiti has reached its limits or do you think amazing new styles will keep arising?

Sky is the limit. I think that graffiti will develop always, but it’s more about originality.

What are some of the writers who have inspired you?

I was inspired by the different graffiti artists that painted near my hometown. I was specifically influenced by writers like Nash, Tumki, Stance, Chas and Casroc. They always worked very cleanly and did some great production walls. Furthermore, I have always been inspired by the graffiti styles in other Dutch cities and foreign countries such as Germany, Denmark and Switzerland. Writers like Chas, Stain, Nyse, Sunk, Vens, Dare, Atom and Swet.

Do you see yourself doing graffiti 10 years from now?

Yes for sure. Graffiti is a part of my life.

Have you have any crazy moments while out painting? Ever been caught?

I was caught up in 2000 for doing a illegal piece. I was drawn to the graffiti scene because of the excitement. I especially liked the thrill of the long and dark railways. Unfortunately, I got arrested for making a illegal piece. After that experience I lay low for three years and in 2003 I made my comeback on the wall.

Have you ever been to jail? if so how was jail?

Yes, but it was for one night. I was happy to be a free man after that experience.

How do you feel about trainwriting?

Yes, I like to see good pieces on trains, walls, canvas or other objects.

What are your favorite cans,markers,mops and ink you use?

I always work with Ironlak. This is also my favourite brand. Furthermore I use a lot of different materials for sketches.

How did you develop such good technical painting and drawing skills? What can the rest of us do to
sharpen our own?

I takes a lot of energy and time to develop your style. The most important part for me is sketching. Sketching is a part of my weekly program. It is something I just have to do. I believe it helps me to develop my style. When I look through my blackbooks I see my style evolving. Usually, I dislike my own sketches after a month or two. For me that is a positive thing. I want to see progression in everything I do.

What other media do you work in besides spray paint? How do you feel about using airbrushes?

I have never used a airbrush. Other media I use are brushes and acrylics on canvas. For sketches I am using different markers.

What are your feelings about more experienced writers referring to younger learning writers as “TOYS”?

Never forget where you come from!

If you could teach or tell the new generation of graffiti writers, what would it be?

I think that it is important for every writer to stay close to his or her personal style.

Is their anything else you would like to add?

I LoveLetters!

A special thanks to DOES for participating in Pure Graffiti!

Pop in and say hi at:

www.myspace.com/digitaldoes
http://www.flickr.com/photos/does_loveletters/
www.digitaldoes.com online at the end of july!!!

Short URL: http://puregraffiti.com/art/?p=539

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