Artist Interview- FEDUP ONE
DO YOUR BEST AT
ANYTHING YOU DO
FEDUP KRH WAI IGM SLUTS TITS
Hey Man, thanks for chatting with us today, can you introduce yourself to our readers who don't know you?
Fedup one
Who are your early graffiti inspirations and how did they affect your development?
Some of my earliest inspirations come from a wide range . From the streets to the magazines. Plek Wai was some of the first work I came across , Saber Msk ,Skill UTI , Mber on the freights , and Geser 3A ,Emit DF in the magazines. Before I ever really got a name and started actually writing. These were the guys that when I seen their work made me want to do this . The quality in their work really helped me approach graffiti the way I do these days.
What was the graffiti scene like back in 96 in LA compared to today? Is it for better or for worse? Do you think kids getting in the game today have the same challenges or it’s easier now?
So I started messing around 97-99 but didn’t actually get in the scene till 2000. I can tell you things are a lot different. To me it’s hard to say if it’s better or worse, there’s goods aspects on why it was better back in the day . I think the originally was a lot more noticeable and was a lot harder to paint. I remember before you can see who was from what area in LA just by their style . Even city by nationwide. But now with social media everyone gets instant access and there’s less differentials on styles . Graffiti back then was not accepted and was highly illegal and in Los Angeles two graffiti and certain neighborhoods was a lot tougher because of the gangs. They had a greenlight on writers. So we had a lot to worry about. I would say that these days networking is probably plus for the game and the acceptance really made things easier .
I see you are involved with other crafts like woodworking, do you have any other particular interests that excite you? How would you say these works have informed your graffiti and vice versa?
Yes, woodworking is a big part of my life and has helped developed my current style and has helped me open different areas in creativity to where I never really saw or noticed when I was just doing lettering with spray paint. Collecting music (Vinyl) is also a huge part of what I do creatively because depending on the new music I find are the old music I return to it really helps inspire the next wall I paint or next wood piece I do . Also traveling has definitely help me get to where I am now from meeting new people or getting inspired by different cultures different scenes.
What makes a piece have good “style”? What makes good letters?
I believe a good piece starts from having a good foundation. letters that can just stand on their own. Then finding a good Flow to your piece is very important. Trying to make sure that a piece does not look forced is a huge . Style comes eventually for some but mostly to have the core foundation is key to building that style .
Any particularly interesting stories in the night or chases you’d like to share?
So let’s see there’s so many stories. But one that pops in mind. Around 05/06 me and some homie were painting on a freeway spot Fact , Doom , Stope SKScrew . I remember we were painting in this particular area, which at the time it was still very active with gang activity in the North East LA area . So we’re kind of on a freeway interchange ramp and my Homie has his lady there to where I think she was actually pregnant and we’re painting. We’re close to being done and all of a sudden this van pulls up. We see the light from the interior of the van when they open the door and we see a bunch of bald heads so we had to literally help the Homies lady to get over a fence and by the time we’re doing that those dudes grab one of the Homies and take him in the car and once we got home girl over the fence, we went back to see what was going on, and the dude that got pulled into the car came out pistol whipped bleeding from the top of his head, completely stripped down no clothing. So we get him clothed up . One of the homies gave a shirt off his back other one his pants and I remember We were driving through LA trying to get to a hospital because the Homie was losing a lot of blood, but we’re stacked in this car, running red lights just to get him there. We pulling to the emergency and all these cops pull out of the hospital guns drawn thinking we were part of some gang wars .. it was definitely a wild night .
Today, the scene has more artists than ever participating in graffiti. Is there something you wish you saw more of today? Personally, I’d like to see more kids pushing style and trying to be better, rather than just copying the same tired throw ups.
You couldn’t have said it any better! I think it would be great if the new generation really pushed style and quality on the walls. More originality. definitely on the freights, I see a lot of half ass stuff on panels . But I guess we just have to push and do what we preach.
As you have got older and entered fatherhood, What were some important lessons you took with you as you left some of your old habits/ways of doing behind?
Definitely becoming a father has made me use my time wisely. Making every moment count. Making sure I make it back home every day to my family. Always making sure I can provide her them. Definitely leaving behind the implosive and irresponsible actions has helped balance my life with Family and graffiti.
How important is a crew to new artists entering the scene? Should they aspire to be a part of a group?
Well, I hope a crew is important to any new artist. I think most of the time crews come naturally from being actual friends with these group of people. I think depending of the person but definitely getting together with like minds friends is always a plus to help motivate and inspire each other .
Quality over quantity has been a topic of discussion. How do you approach this with your graffiti? How do you keep the perfectionist at bay while also consistently producing work?
For me it’s always been Quality > quantity I think attention to detail, craftsmanship, is top priority for myself . Making the most of my time while I get to go out in paint and making it count is everything for me . As a father my time is very valuable so being able to go and paint is a huge plus . Sonin my mind I have to come with all I got when I do get the chance .
What kind of impact or legacy do you hope to leave the graffiti community with?
I would just like to leave a “Do your best in anything you do “ impact. Knowledgeable,Respectful,Humble
Shout outs:
Huge shout out to my family that’s always supporting what I do . All my OG closes homies ( you know who you are) All my crew . KRH WAI IGM SLUTS TITS These group of guys have always had my back. Shout out to all the reals ones putting it down for the game!
