What was the influence behind you
becoming a writer?
I started out in the Hip-Hop scene as
a breakdancer but as a kid, I was always
artistic and a bit of a trouble maker. I later discovered graffiti in the pages of The Source
magazine and gravitated towards it very quickly. Mega - who was the first
writer in my city I was exposed to - was my veryfirst inspiration and the guy who taught me
handstyles.
How long have you
been in the game for and do you see yourself ever putting down the can?
It has been almost 15 years, although the first two or so probably
don't count, and after everything I've put in and been
through I highly doubt I will ever stop permanently.
You're from Durban,
but your name has managed to permeate Joburg streets,
how have other writers taken to you and have you been
well received?
I'm not 100% sure as I don't mix with
the graffiti scene all that much, I think I've
outgrown a lot of the antics associated with it. Although the people
I was down with before relocating here are happy to see me up, as for the rest, I'm not all that bothered.
What do you think
of the graff scene here in Joburg and the difference
in writers compared to that of Durban’s?
I think right now Joburg has the best
scene and within that scene there are almost sub scenes,
which I like. In
general there's not much difference between the writers from here and there but numbers. As I have
briefly touched on I don't really fit in with the average writer.
What's your take on
writers’ beef and also the dislike between graff writers and street artists?
We're all one big family, shouldn't it all be love?
Haha I don't think we are one family. It’s like the age old beef between skateboarders and rollerbladers
which skateboarders won, so hopefully one day there won't be any street art and
by street art I don't mean massive murals by former graffiti artists, I mean bad banksy copies. As for graffiti beef lots of the reasons
behind it aren't always honest but it is a necessary part of the scene, it
weeds out the weak.
Tell us about your
experience at Str.Crd 2012 and getting to meet some legendary artists?
It was a great moment that I am
highly honored to have experienced.
As the wall I painted was one I have
had in the pipeline for quite some time. As for all the international artists,
I have been in contact with Steve ESPO Powers for a while now so it was good to
finally meet in person, as well as OG Philly, legends, Shameak and Meez. Then obviously Claw, I have been a fan of her since forever and it
was great to take her around the city and get some work done.
What are you
currently busy with and what do your future
plans look like?
There are lots of small projects in
the pipeline that I hope will turn into big projects next year. The first is a small group show towards the end
of October, so look out for that.
Local favorites?
Graffiti wise: Optone, Erons, Gasr,
Scape, Lazir, Aple/Ight, Smet, Gmok, Dmin, Vesa, Jerk, Boas, Myza, Empty are my
favourites at the moment. As for others wow
there’s too many people from tattooing to design etc.
Can you open our
eyes a little bit into where and how deep your love of the can goes? In short, describe what makes you eat, sleep, breathe this medium?
Luckily, I think I was taught the right way to come up and I have a deep
respect for those who came before me. Secondly, I have paid my dues and haven't let anything or anyone stop me, I
treat my crews like my family and family comes first. It has shaped me into the
person I am today and has shown me parts of the country only a few will ever
get to see.
Do you think 'going
corporate' and doing murals etc is selling out or just another needed way to
put food on the table?
Those people who complain obviously
have never been approached to do anything corporate so they're just jealous.
I think there is a right and a wrong way to " go commercial" I'm
still trying to find a good balance.
For more about Philip Botha please check out the following links please www.diehonest.wordpress.com and www.community-service.posterous.com
Written by: Karabo Mokoena
Edited by: Vuyi Qubeka
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