Artist Interview with Eddie Gangland

 

1. When did you first get into street art? 

 

I’m a late bloomer. I was actually a photographer for many years before I ever touched paint. I got into street art in 2019.

 

2. How did u come up with that grenade character?

 

I used to travel a lot for work and would always doodle on the plane. I’ve always believed I’m a lot like a grenade. One day I was flying back home from a job and doodled this on a napkin during a flight and the rest is history.

 

3. Would you say you are more of an artist or an activist?

 

I believe I can be both but I would say I find great joy in maki art and use the proceeds from my art to help fund my activism.

 

4. Where have you been most active over the years and how has the scene changed around you?

 

I have traveled all over the world; have spent a large chunk of time in Latin America. I think the art scene is booming over there and doesn’t get enough credit. Shout out Colombia and Puerto Rico.

 

5. Who are some of your inspirations and favorite artists?

 

I am inspired to be great. Had you asked me who my favorite artist was 2 years I would have probably ignorantly responded Warhol. I wouldn’t respond with Warhol today.

 

 

6. What advice would you give the younger generation that’s getting into the game now?

 

Create every single day. Every single day. Doesn’t matter if you doodle, write a poem, or finish a masterpiece. Create something everyday and don’t worry so much about tomorrow or when you’re going to be famous. Create for today.

 

7. Do you have a favorite piece of art that you have done in the past?

 

I honestly don’t. My wife would laugh at this question and tell you that my favorite piece of art is whatever I finished that day because I’m always saying how I think my most recent piece is my greatest. She gets me.

 

8. Are there any current projects you are working on that you want to talk about or plug?

 

I recently had a chance to work with @Efdot which was really awesome because I think he makes great art. I’m working on new art every single day. Tune in to my Instagram to see what I made today.

 

9. Any shout outs you want to give to anyone in the scene or in general?

 

Shout out to my wife who deals with my craziness on a daily basis.

Make sure to follow the artist on IG @eddiegangland and check out our page @derp_taggz if you have not already. Stay tuned to the blog for more reviews and artist interviews from all over the country. Thanks for reading! 

AJ Clothing (Review)

AJ, the same crew that brought you the Graffiti Gone Hyphy video series has a clothing company, if you didn't already know. They've been around for a while and the product I will be reviewing is their "Avoid Jail" snapback hat. I really like how they've been able to use their crew moniker to create clothing designs. Avoid Jail and Always Juicee would be a couple of examples. Quality products made by graffiti artists for graffiti artists, which is my favorite kind of company to review and AJ has definitely stuck to their roots in the San Francisco scene.

I've rocked my Avoid Jail snapback many times and it is a quality piece of clothing and art. The hand style used for the font on the front of the hat is perfect for a plain black background. As far as durability it has held together since I bought it with no problems. No breaks in the snap back part of the cap and the sewing on the embossed logo really makes the letters pop out. "Avoid Jail!" That's a message every graffiti writer can relate to, in fact most people can relate. People don't want to be locked up and they avoid it, but graff artists put our freedom on the line for our passion. Our art is worth risking our freedom for, which makes graffiti much different from any other form of art. I like this hat most because it reminds me that what I do has been deemed illegal, but I do it anyway because it is and has been a passion of mine for a long time. Personally, I've always said that real graff heads don't retire from bombing ever. They just take some extended breaks sometimes as they get older, others turn their art into a business and that's what AJ Clothing brand has done for themselves. Going from being a highly recognizable scrawl on the walls of San Francisco to a high end local clothing brand. I remember in 2003-6 there wasn't anywhere in the city you could go that you wouldn't see AJ up. And even after that, they didn't decline but instead aged quite well with the scene. Not allowing themselves to be gentrified they have a very San Francisco flavor to their products. As well as being true to the graff scene.

I like their other clothing designs as well. They have hats, beanies, t shirts and more. Plenty of dope gear for the prospective buyer of designer clothing. This brand has shown that they have longevity as they have been around for such a long time. If you haven't seen the classic Graffiti Gone Hyphy movies they made in the early oughts, find a copy and watch. It is definitely worth watching for everyone, not just for graffiti writers and not just for people from the Bay Area, CA. Make sure and check out AJ clothing and get yourself some good old SF flavor in your life. And be sure to Avoid Jail so you can be around for my next blog post! follow them on Instagram @always_juicee for updates on their merchandise and to check out their existing products and projects. While you are there make sure to follow me @derp_taggz and check out some dope graffiti. Thanks for reading and stay up!