Culture Shock San Diego Graffiti Life Photo Shoot at the Writerz Blok

Being a native San Diegan, I’ve always been interested in seeing this city change and grow. One aspect of San Diego I’ve noticed changing is people’s appreciation and respect for street art and graffiti. For years I have been documenting the ebb and flow of street art through my photography and have now had the pleasure of meeting a whole new group of talented artists. My relationship with Culture Shock San Diego and graffiti writer/artist Pose 2, has given me the opportunity to go behind the scenes in the making of the stage art which was used for stage backdrops in the dance theatrical, Graffiti Life, The Color of My Sole. A number of really talented local graffiti writers (Kiska, Chor Boogie, Pres One, Isaias Crol, Werc, Sake, Daze Zone, Mr. Maxx Moses) all came together at the San Diego Writerz Blok to create the backdrops for the performance opening May 28th at the San Diego Repertory Theatre When I first received the email list of graffiti writers from Pose 2 (Mr. Maxx Moses), I was impressed with all talented artists that were coming together to help out with this production. I decided that I too would donate some of my time to help bring to light how truly amazing this art form and groups of people are. On a sunny Friday afternoon everyone met at the Writerz Blok, located on 5010 Market to start the painting process. When I arrived at the Writerz Blok and walked through the door, I was kindly welcomed by the “Kutfather”, who shook my hand and invited me in. As I walked into the yard I noticed a mural painted in loving memory of Joe Jacobs, who I later found out donated the money to make this facility possible. After being there a short period of time, I discovered that the vibe at the Writerz Blok was positive. There seemed to be a common understanding and respect for all the current and former graffiti writers and crews the Writerz Blok. All the painted stage backdrops and murals which were used for the Culture Shock performance were create there. They consisted of large sections of parachute (polytab fabric), sheets of plywood panels that rolled on wheels. The wooden panels that rolled on wheels were to act as the backdrop for the train painting scene in the Graffiti Life performance. While these items were being painted at the Writerz Blok, I decided I would be there as much as possible, to document this collaborative creative process. While I was there I found that when the graffiti writers are working they go into what I refer to as a “creative zone”. While you’re working you become so focused on what you’re creating that you “tune out” everything else that would normally distract you from creating what’s in your mind’s eye. Funny thing is, when I shoot, I get into the same creative zone.

Since the Graffiti Life show opened last night (May 28, 2009) I’ve decided to post these photos sooner than later. As I finish combing through the large number of photos I created while I was at the Writerz Blok, I will then add them to the gallery below along with photo captions. If you are a Graffiti Artist and see your work in this gallery, you may use the photo as you wish, but please give me a photo credit in return or link back to my website or blog. I wasn’t able to identify all the graffiti writer’s work in this post, so if you know the name of the writer, please email me at ck@chriskeeneyphoto.com and I will add the graff writer’s name to this post or you can leave a comment on the photo with the information which needs to be added. Thanks for stopping by. Please check back later for updates.

In closing I want to say thank you to all the friendly and talented people at Culture Shock San Diego and to all the amazing graffiti writers and people I’ve met through the Writerz Blok. Kutfather, you da man for keeping that place going. Also many thanks to Pony Shoes, San Diego for being proud sponsor of the Graffiti Life event. In the future I plan on continuing with my interest in creating portraits using street art murals and graffiti backgrounds.

Please note: I normally don’t post large photo galleries as part of a blog post. I decided to use this blog post as a way to share photos with the Culture Shock Graffiti Life artists and the all the graffiti writers who paint and have painted at the Writerz Blok.