Intent

Graffiti has been seen as an act of vandalism, which has no place in society. It is viewed not as art but as a crime. Advertisers who use the entire sides of buses have taken the idea from the trains painted by graffiti artists but have not given them credit. Although recognized around the world it still has difficulty being accepted in the location where it was founded.
Most people have not taken the time to recognize that all of the basic elements of art are needed in order for a piece to be created. Color, form, and line are just some of the basic themes needed in order to shape a piece of graffiti art. It can be created with a variety of mediums, using a range of techniques, just as all respected art forms are.
It is my intent to show that graffiti is an art form, which has not only helped create an American subculture but has influenced the world as a whole. Its influence has left the subway cars of New York and entered mainstream society. I would like to prove that this is a thriving artistic outlet, which equals all other art genres. Its tools and methods are not taught in traditional art classes, but that does not take away from the creative process needed to create in this method. Finally I would like to break the stereotype that vandals create graffiti and show that it is also created by a successful special education teacher who was so influenced by this art form that he prefers to still paint in this non-traditional method today.

Bio

Born in the Bronx in 1968, I entered the art world as a graffiti writer in the early 80's. After developing a love for art, I enrolled in Elizabeth Seton College to develop a portfolio. From there I transferred and attended the School of Visual Arts. Graduating in 1991 I tried to embark on a career in advertising.
After pursuing a career in advertising I realized that this was not a career for me. It was not enough for my to feel fulfilled. I decide to return to school to pursue another career where I felt I could give something back. This was education. Working in the Board of Education I became certified as an elementary teacher. I later pursued and received my masters in Special Education from Manhattan College. That masters led me to a teaching position in the Scarsdale Middle School where I am a special education teacher. During this career change I continued to follow my love for painting and drawing. I have incorporated this love of art with my teaching skills within the classroom.
Currently I am creating and exhibiting watercolors and multi-media pieces for various galleries and shows. I have returned to my roots and started creating pieces in pure graffiti style. Also this style in conjunction with my formal art background has given me a chance to merge styles and create pieces in a new and innovative way.

Background

includes being part of the graffiti art movement. Work has been displayed in venues both indoors and outdoors, legal and illegal. Using this foundation in graffiti and applying it to school, I have received 2 degrees in fine arts. Currently work is being displayed in various galleries and venues throughout New York.

Exhibitions
Group shows
o 2003 We Are Not Criminals Exhibition, Brooklyn, NY
o 2004 100 Tokens, 100 Tags Exhibition, Marco Art Gallery, New York City, NY
o 2004 Hip Hop History Exhibition, Brooklyn, NY
o 2004 4th Annual Art Expo, Garnerville Industrial Arts Center, Garnerville, NY
o 2005 Graffiti 2004 Exhibition, Marco Art Gallery, Manhattan, NY
o 2005 24 x 24 Exhibition, Garnerville Industrial Arts Center, Garnerville, NY
o 2005 Unknown Masters Exhibition, Silver Whale Gallery, Manhattan, NY
o 2006 Square Foot Show, Art Gotham, Manhattan, NY
o 2006 Decked Out, NYC Showroom, Manhattan, NY

Solo Shows
o 2005 Form In Color Exhibition, Store Room Gallery, Bronxville, NY
o 2006 Watercolor/Pastel Show, Madame X, Manhattan, NY
o 2007 Open Walls Exhibition, Micro Museum, Brooklyn, NY

Media Recognition
o Remembering, and Defending, Subway Graffiti, New York Times, Nov. 16, 2004
o Garnerville Art Expo Quite A Draw, The Journal News, April 2004
o Bode Exhibit, Graphotism Magazine, 2004

Education
MANHATTAN COLLEGE, Riverdale, New York
Masters of Special Education, 1995

SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS, New York City, New York
Bachelor of Fine Arts, 1991

ELIZABETH SETON COLLEGE, Yonkers, New York
Associates of Fine Arts, 1988