TRIALS & TRIBULATIONS OF A 10+ YEAR TOY

[ERIZENO]

Well here we go, and some of you may have seen me on the boards over the past few years. I am lurking in the shadows when not posting, however that is unimportant. This site and the folks here have taught me more about the true meaning of graffiti in the relatively short time I have been on the boards than all the years I have spent putting in hard work on the streets. My history with graffiti is much different than most I would guess, but who knows. I have had an eye for this but knew little about why I liked what I saw/or drew for that matter. Here is a current sketch for something to look at: one of the first with a new more open-minded approach to seeking my style. It was very loose in pencil then a touch of markers. The next, all black lines were done in one free flowing shot, then colored, no pencil sketch, exercise, exercise… work that mind. Scanner was too small so its split. I know you can look past that.
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_098.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_106.jpg'> [img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_107.jpg'>
We are taking a trip through my history to give you a clue how toy someone can be, yet still have some stuff look like stereotypical graffiti. Enough like it to sell it to an un-trained eye anyway, as i was able to do several times. Plus I still have all this old stuff so why not share it.

[ERIZENO]

Dipping into that history I started to notice writing in my city around 7th or 8th grade, one of the first two writers in my city was a guy in my neighborhood who I used to skate with. I called him by his street name in very un-cool ways cuz I was a dumb kid, and could only see it as a nick name not a hidden alias. Years went by and I took note of some writing …but not much. One day in high school a friend came over after kicking it with a new crowd and said “Grab some markers, and come on.” That was it man, it’s been all over since. So after a few weeks of writing on everything, we formed our first crew and started to draw anything to mimic what we saw around town, or remembered seeing in movies or anyplace else. The crew was called SSP. (we were wearing lots of sesame street t-shirts at the time [late ‘91]) so it was SEASAME STREET POSSE. It only existed from January to March of ’92. Here is the work from that time:
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_009.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_099.jpg'>
We realized how dumb sounding the crew name was and found tagging to be a very popular thing at the time, getting much media coverage and many new kids to come into the game. Most of these people couldn’t do anything but bad handstyles much less a piece. We tried to just piece and be a bit different from the crowd. I still had no info on the history from NY, or anywhere past very local at this point. We got together a few heads who felt the same and created IBM . (Independent Bombing Madness) during the time this crew existed I got my little fingers on a copy of Spraycan Art, and got to start biting to learn more. Here is some work from this period:
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_100.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_101.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_011.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_102.jpg'>

[Overtime]

it may be toy, but i like it. Plus, you arent a toy now, your shit is mad ill, can i get some of your stickers in a little bit of a trade?

[ERIZENO]

[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_104.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_010.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_105.jpg'>
The next big change came with some friends being lost and new ones gained, we also learned of IBM from NY and decided it was time for a change again. This one is funny too … it was the early 90’s (latest 92) most guys if any had just their left ear pierced and it was considered gay to have one in your right ear. Well we were over that myth and a few of us had hoops in each ear. So the new crew name was PC (Pirate Crew, or the more graffiti sounding ... Persistent Criminals) the cofounder and myself decided we wanted to change our names too, he went with ME , I chose MOLE, so we told the rest of the crew their names had to start with M and end with E, all I can say now is what the fuck ….but oh well, teens will be teens !!! here is my PC work.
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_108.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_109.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_110.jpg'>

[StarzAbove]

What hav u done wit ZIRE j/k hop to see the crazy stufff soon

[snowkid]

hah this is a dope thread...

[ERIZENO]

[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_111.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_112.jpg'>
The bulk of PC didn’t get into this the way myself and the cofounder were. They for the most part stopped writing. The two of us were over the PC thing and wanted a bit more local fame by being in with a bigger crew. We worked a job with the head of a crew we wanted in and we busted our asses to make it all happen and join up. The other crew would put us down if we picked up new names and stared over with the new names. We had no issue and got put down … within a short time a good chunk of the founding members bailed and went different ways. Leaving the head and a few stragglers plus us new additions … not too long before we were 2nd and 3rd best in the crew. This crew was called MR or MRK (Mass Retardation, before we joined, Mark & Run, right when we came on and Most Rotten Klowns to this day if anyone was still putting it up) I expanded my use of tools and understanding of this art quite a bit in this time. Here is some examples of work at this point:
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_113.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_118.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_114.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_115.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_116.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_119.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_001.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_014.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_120.jpg'> [img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_121.jpg'>

[Overtime]

Originally posted by snowkid
hah this is a dope thread...

do i sense some sarcasm? because i think that i do....you have to know what his shit now looks like, its a chronolgically ordered thread of progress

[snowkid]

no sarcasm man... i think this thread is dope.

[Propaganda]

I feel everything that you say Zire. I too have a sense of a past story to tell at times.

[ERIZENO]

[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_122.jpg'>
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[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_124.jpg'>
I was busted twice (in under a month)… My mom wouldn’t allow me to see my writing friends as well the courts said I couldn’t either. Well being the good suburban kid I was I followed that closely. Not too long before I was all alone in my desire to write, buying mags at tower and piecing on paper all the time. I got much better in making my stuff look like most of the rest of the graffiti world, but still I lack in originality and imagination. As well I was fronting on style … as I could make something look good even if its structure was poor, and had no flow, but bet your ass it looked like graffiti. I was very timid to write again after all my legal shit, so all work for a bit was on paper. Here is a sample of that work:
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_125.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_126.jpg'>

[ERIZENO]

A year or two passed I ran into the head of my last crew … he had been trying to track me down for a bit … he was forming a new crew of just people who could piece(an off shoot of MRK called DA or DAT) , and wanted me to be in on it as well active in MR again … I started to do a lot of work. Here is that work.
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_128.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_131.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_129.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_130.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_132.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_133.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_134.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_135.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_136.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_024.jpg'>
still going ....

[ERIZENO]

[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_025.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_137.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_138.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_139.jpg'>
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[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_141.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_142.jpg'>

[Propaganda]

What kind of style are you searching for? One that can make you more content with your work and all. I feel you have a handy down style of bringing old rock hard letters like that pharacide. Also your characters must truly mean something. It all comes down about how you are as a person. I've been writing for three years going on four. I still suck horribly but I love it. LOL. Sad yes but I came from days where I didn't know how to draw myself dude. I think you remeber my first couple post of sketches. I even suck worse before I discover 120z. No style, no artistic skill, no meaning. I Think you need meaning before jumping into the writing scene. Without that, it can make artwork very dull and unpleasant to look at. I remeber you months ago giving me advice and I heeded them and that probably help me along the way. Other writers from New England "Massacre" help me too. I would say tho def, the writer Lesn had a big help with me with style and meaning. Along with correct structure with letters.

Old Steez
[img]http://photos.fotango.com/p/eba00330246f00000013.jpg'>
[img]http://photos.fotango.com/p/eba00330246f00000011.jpg'>
[img]http://photos.fotango.com/p/eba00330246f00000020.jpg'>

Ha Im a dork :rolleyes:

[wa5te_pHk]

this thread is the shit. it all sounds so familiar

keep it going

make this a sticky:king:

[ERIZENO]

[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_143.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_144.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_145.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_023.jpg'>
Not too long before I lost touch with the last few people I shared this with I started taking lots of art classes at the Jr. college near me, every rule I was taught only added frustration to the times I wanted to let loose and be free. I did find that I love the feel of a paintbrush in my hand, but past the painting most of the art worlds theory, and rules only hindered me … I went into a depression and huge slump. Every time I wanted to break free of these bonds I put on myself it was back to graffiti. Since I was trying to leave that behind me it only depressed me further. A seemingly endless cycle … here is stuff from the slump:
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_026.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_027.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_146.jpg'>

[ERIZENO]

[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/th_for12oz_147.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_148.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_149.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_150.jpg'>
Some time went by, I was not spending time with the same group of “adults” I had been spending my time with. I found a new girlfriend who opened me up to the world(that’s another long story). With this new perspective I went back into my knowledge of art history and my personal theory on it and what it means, and tried to see how I felt about it. It turns out I think graffiti is the most open, free (minded & spirited), expressive art that is being produced today. I love graffiti, it is a part of me whether or not I want it to be. I started a new blackbook and even with being a good member of the 9-5 working class, I make time to express myself through this art.
First two tries with paint again.
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_151.jpg'>

[ERIZENO]

This was shown at CREWEST back in ‘02
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_152.jpg'>

I will continue to add my new work to this thread, I am more of a POP/ Legal eagle writer (piecing on paper, for those who have never seen that before) but I do paint so I will leave this in paper chase and add both painted and drawn work here.

[why write?]

nice thread, its nice to see how someone can advance...inspires me to practice and practice hard....there should be a movie like this thread

[ACIDBATHONER]

i think some of your work is very good, i like the characters the most... i also think that you have no self confidence what so ever.. maybe if you hadn't conformed at such an early age your style would be different and you wouldnt have to come here and feel sorry for yourself..i dont know man, i would have rather seen a thread of your work in chronological order with out the sob story...

[xwibxonex]

nice characters, looks like you got some good simples going on on the recent ones
can't say i dig anything else.
keep at it dude. much love either way.

[Overtime]

lookin good, when we gettin to your newer shit...

[ERIZENO]

this was my first book work back when i decided to try this artform again.
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_031.jpg'>
after seeing Seak and Daim work, and having touched on 3d in the past i wanted to try again. its not for me, but here is one.
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_002.jpg'>

[Angry Kids]

play with everything you got combine what you have,practice every idea you get. just don't ask others for advice if you want your own style, originality is the best style...and originality is the best way to make a name for yourself, positive on not...

[BZD 19:O1:O5]

I personally like this thread, the pictures along with your story of trying to find your own style.

BUT ...you are way too deep man which is okay artists usually are
real artists atleast.

I just think it might be what is making your work suffer in quality
I like your work, you seem unhappy with it though.
But from what i read it does sound like you maybe seriously depressed(maybe im wrong) and i doubt its because you cant think of an original style for your graffiti because that would be rediculous.

anyway, you should worry less about finding that certain style your looking for and just put your emotions on paper, you seem to have many(emotions)

Graffiti should be fun more than anything else
I usually express my feelings through other types of art, which by the way nobody seems to understand but do enjoy to look at.

Every person on earth is unique, and if you can just express your induviduality through your art, it will be ORIGINAL in itself, there is no other option

amen

Hope that i have helped

[ERIZENO]

i keep hitting submit when im not ready ... oh well ... rolling on

i was very excited with the letters here and decided to make them my first try at a full painitng experience.
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_030.jpg'>

this next one is i think one of the times i have closest to my deal. its from the berd stuff above when i started with a messy background then laid the letters over that.
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_034.jpg'>

becomming frustrated with 3D i tried to include one 3d letter with some old school letters.
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_074.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_032.jpg'>
at this point i was on 12oz quite often and starting to see why my work wasnt looking up to par with where i felt i should be with the time i had put in. i tried a few new thoughs.
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_033.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_055.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_056.jpg'>
this was drawn then coloerd much later. drawn while we were camping in the pouring raing and had been eating pain killers and smoking much grass. i think it shows or i wouldnt have added it.
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_077.jpg'>

[ERIZENO]

one last sketch today .... mixing a touch of old and new school vibes.
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_057.jpg'>

[rize415]

[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_055.jpg'>

this is really nice. yer stuff is nice and original. i like some of the old school feel to it. hit me up if u wanna trade sometime, man. keep up the good work.

[why write?]

dope

[teck]

i love it great thread for toys to show um every one here used to suck ballz
[img]http://img1.tapuz.co.il/forums/28418030.jpg'>

[ERIZENO]

ACIDBATHONER
i also think that you have no self confidence what so ever.. maybe if you hadn't conformed at such an early age your style would be different and you wouldnt have to come here and feel sorry for yourself..i dont know man, i would have rather seen a thread of your work in chronological order with out the sob story...

BZD 19:O1:O5
BUT ...you are way too deep man which is okay artists usually are
real artists atleast. I just think it might be what is making your work suffer in quality
anyway, you should worry less about finding that certain style your looking for and just put your emotions on paper, you seem to have many(emotions)
Every person on earth is unique, and if you can just express your induviduality through your art, it will be ORIGINAL in itself, there is no other option


thank you two for the reality check. my ego never got beat up in the past ... its good to feel more of the reality in how competetive graffiti is. i over analize everything about my life. its time to stop that shit, so again thank you.



Angry Kids
play with everything you got combine what you have,practice every idea you get. just don't ask others for advice if you want your own style, originality is the best style...and originality is the best way to make a name for yourself, positive on not...

Thats it man ... i am going to just shut up stop sweating it and work my ass off the rest will happen with the passion i put into my work.

as well per advise from Slyde seek some meaning to why i do this.

thank you all.

[ERIZENO]

[img]http://photos.fotango.com/p/eba00280869f00000085.jpg'>
[img]http://photos.fotango.com/p/eba00280869f00000086.jpg'>
[img]http://photos.fotango.com/p/eba00280869f00000087.jpg'>
[img]http://photos.fotango.com/p/eba00280869f00000088.jpg'>
[img]http://photos.fotango.com/p/eba00280869f00000089.jpg'>
thats all for now.

[BZD 19:O1:O5]

Good stuff bro,

I especially like the ?(AJ)? one:D

I really get frustrated when I try 3-D, I find it way too difficult for me:(

Glad my first post was helpful
Keep this thread going man, its intresting:)

...oh, and post some walls you've done or whatever :mexican:

[micro]

i love this thread, i love the flix and i was lovin the storyline keep it up man this is probably the best thread i have read next to the sticker related stuff (i just started stickers and am going though a faze of addiction for them)

[KING MILE]

nice nice....u got some pretty dope stuff..post more

[adept]

emo graff...no j/k these are dope pics. It's nice to see how well you've developed as a writer. Youcan see your style emerge in the middle-newest pieces. I like reading threads like this.

[ERIZENO]

A FEW SCATTERED ONES TO ADD.
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_117.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_127.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_080.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_084.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_054.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_153.jpg'>

[ERIZENO]

Well as described above i drew this on a camping adventure. i like these little guys up top a lot and decided to persue them a bit deeper. here is some of that work. i was calling them space snakes ... but that sounds like too much of a dalek bite, i dunno ... "the snakes" for now.
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_077.jpg'>
[img]http://photos.fotango.com/p/eba00280869f00000079.jpg'>
[img]http://photos.fotango.com/p/eba00280869f00000094.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_078.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_089.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_090.jpg'>
this is the third in the canvas series. i will try to get more on here at some point.
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/snakes.jpg'>

[ERIZENO]

[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_088.jpg'>
[img]http://photos.fotango.com/p/eba00280869f00000092.jpg'>
[img]http://photos.fotango.com/p/eba00280869f00000050.jpg'>
thats all for today.

[rize415]

[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/for12oz_088.jpg'>
hot

[aP@C]

dope characters and i dig the PHARSIDE flic..if you still got my email get at me if/when u wanna do another small trade..peace..
[img]http://img25.photobucket.com/albums/v74/JBDigital666/zire001.jpg'>

[Propaganda]

Zire

Mail me your address again. I have the sticks ready. Plus making a few more for ya dude.

[ERIZENO]

slyde
check that email !!!

[BZD 19:O1:O5]

I really like "THE SNAKES" man, reminds me of the funky kind of
charachters that I do...

I have to get over to my girls house and scan some of my
stuff so I can show you what I mean...

!!!GOOD SHIT!!!

[ERIZENO]

THANKS MAN !!

here is another, i gave to a friend and he just sent me this pick of it. the color is a bit off ... the background is purple, burgundy, & yellow to give you the idea.

[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/Tim_Art_007.jpg'>

[Propaganda]

Those space snakes are awesome. I know you were thinking about a diff name for them. To me they look more like "Urban Dragons" or "Sea Creeps".

[ERIZENO]

[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/free.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/script.jpg'>

[Propaganda]

Yo dude where u been at?? Hit em up. I just been to venice beach recently.

[imation]

nice progress....this is a good way for all of us to learn

[Yellow Feets]

There should be more threads like this in Paper Chase. I like how you had a little story that went along with your work. I can't say that I like the letters but you would probably make a pretty good muralist(?). I'd say if you went to an artschool and "tweaked(?)" up your art, the results would be dope. I like that last sketch you just had up. And that last painting reminds me of some Japanese shit. It reminds me of Cherry Blossoms.


-bye

[akrbone]

ur sick man!!!!

[seakr]

this guy is DOPE!:D

[Nafe sheeps*]

this thread is awsome its such a nice change. props man. love your work

[ERIZENO]

[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/palms.jpg'>
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/love.jpg'>

[ERIZENO]

this was inked by a close friend DAG, then i colored it. I have begun to do alot of work with him, I may add more of those colabs.
[img]http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/whome949/dag.jpg'>

As for my deal as of late. I realized I am not going to try and reach the stars in this game. I plan to do as I have for the past few years, just draw and paint what I want, when I want, how I want. If you dig it cool if not i dont care, I will continute to shre it here. I am not out for e-fame, I just dont have too many other ways to share my passion with people who can be like-minded and very critical. the critical aspect is nice ... most anyone else i would share with wouldnt have the eye to call me out on shit that needs attention when I would normally look past it. thanks for any and all comments.
keep up.

[Evoke_Me]

good thread, shows were u come from and where u went

[Evoke_Me]

good thread, shows were u come from and where u went