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Kaffein Online Magazine Issue 7: Kreative Kulture

Tuesday 9 October 2012

STR.CRD Uncovered: Close Up With Philip Botha



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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