I stumbled upon GypsyRock’s photo’s a few weeks ago when we were browsing through hundreds of graphitti wall shots on a late Sunday night. We were putting together the flyer for Flava Fest and needed a sick shot that would fit just right. The design had to go to print by 9 AM and I need at least 4 hours of sleep to function. All we needed was the right photo to sit as the backdrop.
Everybody that was documenting graphitti through photography was not too concerned with anything but taking the picture. I was starting to get really pissed off. Around 3 in the morning, I find myself looking through the sickest set of graphitti wall shots I’ve seen all night. I’m going through the set… picture by picture… spending an average of 5 minutes on each… I was hooked. He was doing something most of the street photographers seem to miss - capturing the environment that the art exists in. Sure… You have the wall… and you have the art that exists on the wall. How about the grass, the color of the sky, the time of the day, the speed of the train running the in back, the people walking by, the trash piled on the corner, the stray cats… that’s all part of it. He was somehow using the light and the environment in which the art existed in to focus the attention on the piece and make it shine. But the main thing to point out is that it’s not just for looks. It adds more meaning to the photo. It almost gives it that third dimension. Just take a look at his photos.
Anyways… we had to talk to this guy…
When did you start photographing graffiti/street art?
GypsyRock - I started photographing graffiti at the beginning of last summer, so I’m really just learning the craft.
Why do you do it?
GypsyRock - I have to admit that capturing graffiti has become an obsession of mine. I see myself as a documentarian of street art. The thought of a piece being buffed before it is photographed or enjoyed by the public really bothers me. There is so much amazing art out there in the nooks and crannies that nobody sees. My pictures are a window into some of these places. Also it’s really fun to find the graffiti spots and explore new places with my camera.
I see most of the pictures are taken of street art in Oakland, does the street art in Oakland really capture your imagination? Have you traveled to other places in CA to capture its graffiti?
GypsyRock - Most of my pictures are from Oakland because that’s where I grew up. I already knew where most of the graffiti spots were before I started photographing them. Oakland is just a beautiful and diverse place to me– the art definitely reflects that. I really like going to San Francisco to take pictures. The graff scene is really alive in SF. There are so many legendary and dynamic places to explore.
How do you compare the graph in other cities (Philly, Chicago, NYC, etc..) to the work you’ve seen in Oakland?
GypsyRock - I haven’t seen enough graffiti in other places to compare with Oakland’s. The east coast is where it all originated— I know they got style over there.
What’s the best piece you’ve photographed?
From a graffiti artist’s perspective the “best” piece I’ve photographed is probably one by APEX, BA crew. His work is just out of control. I think he must have access to all the paint he wants, because his pieces just explode with color. I can’t really describe his letter skills; all I can say is that APEX seems to have mastered his craft. His pieces make the others around them seem pointless and unimportant.
Do you have a favorite artist? What makes his/her work so special?
I can’t say that I have a favorite artist, but a few definitely came to mind. I spent so much time around Bay Area graffiti this summer that I could really tell which artists were dedicated to the scene. Plantrees, Chubs, Lords, Readmore, Sestor, Percept, Lewse, Tenfold, GL, AQK, BA, TDK, Silencer, EMT, ICP, PIGS, OSD, CTK, TKO, Kode, AWR, MSK, KS, KOD. So many more.
Are you looking to do anything in particular with the photographs?
I don’t have any ideas in particular for my pictures. I just put them on the Internet for everyone to enjoy. I might make a book or something once I get more experience and a really nice camera.
Have you ever met and shared your pictures with the actual writers?
A few writers have seen my photos of their work on Flickr.com. They are usually just thankful that their work has been well documented.
Are you involved in the culture of graffiti or do you consider yourself strictly an observer?
I’ve been doing graffiti art on and off since I was about twelve. I don’t have a crew anymore or anything, but I still love to paint. Sometimes I take paint with me when I go to take pictures. I don’t plan to ever stop making street art. It is very important to me.
How do you see the art changing?
Graffiti art is evolving in the same way modern art has. At first it was done with mostly one medium (spray paint), but now it has expanded to include many (sculpture, wheat pastes, installations, etc.). Graff artists are becoming more and more recognized for their talent, and the scene is gaining respect in the broader culture. It’s a beautiful thing when the older generation starts to recognize the value of this type of art. Eventually I think the academic art community will wake up and realize that graffiti is the next step in modern art.
Any last comments?
I want to thank all the artists who risk their safety and their security just to express themselves. I also want to admit that there are much more experienced and skilled graffiti photographers than me in the Bay Area. My friend Funk&Jazz really should have this interview. He is always at the heart of the graff scene, camera in hand. Flickr.com/photos/phunk is his site. Flickr.com/photos/gypsyrock is mine. Much love. Peace to FreshoutMedia, you run a dope website 
Checkout his work here
(Current Standing ~ 4.67 out of 5)
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April 7th, 2007 at 5:03 pm
[…] Photo by GypsyRock, who has a ton of sick photos of Bay Area graffiti. Here’s an interview, too. Music at the beginning is from Call and Response: […]