Paul’s Boutique 2009 Remake
I was asked to redesign a record sleeve for Beck’s ‘Music Inspired Art‘ project.
From the list of 100 albums I chose Paul’s Boutique and redrew it in my Stephen Wiltshire style…
HELLO BROOKLYN!!!
That’ll Learn ‘Em
It’s true what the NHS say – “Too much alcohol makes you feel invincible when you’re most vulnerable”, but the best thing about painting the side of everyone’s favourite Ghetto Boozer is that the locals are more than happy to help dismantle the scaffolding, even at midnight after a skinful. And when it rains or gets too dark – you can go indoors, get mash-up and dance to Janet Jackson with your mates…
Iz the Wiz R.I.P
I felt very sad to learn that Iz the Wiz had passed away. Iz was an absolute graffiti legend, he more than lived up to his title of “The Master Blaster” + he had all the best quotes in Style Wars.
I never had the opportunity to meet him in person, though we did write to one another during the early ’90’s. He’d regularly send me outlines, photos and New York fat caps – just the kind of encouragement a young bumpkin needed from an New York king! He was also kind enough to do an interview for my first ever fanzine. Here’s an Iz piece I did for him as a way of thanks, circa ’93. My sincere condolences go out to his family and friends. Iz the Wiz – Rest In Peace.
Black Book’s Drunkest
Word. I got my black book back! I knew it would show up one day. Turns out it was round some girl’s house who had no idea how it got there. My guess is someone took it there when they were drunk. Anyhow, I’d like to thank D*Face for putting 2 and 2 together when a friend mentioned something about stupid drawings in a book to him. Nice one Columbo!
Like most drunken nights however, the book was perhaps better as a distant memory. In the cold light of day; marker pens + alcohol (often) = cacky bobar.
Even so, I sure am glad to have it back. Here’s a selection of double-spreads by a gaggle of boozed-up idiots… Smash!
I’ve Seen Worse / That’s Torn It
A couple of new phrases that pays-es…
And one for the locals… (No he wasn’t from Panama / Asked him how he got so dark and he said “suntan-ama”!!!)
Smoker’s Corner
The guys at MTN suggested I tested out some paint on the back wall of their factory where their staff go for a fag break. Where I used to work, the graffiti at this place consisted of speed-cocks and things like “Rugby Skag Is The Best” or “Hot Dump – Thumpin’ A Dump Atcha”. Not wanting to offend my hosts, I went for the safer option of (surprise surprise) a big woman’s face.
Montana Factory Tour
The exact location of the Montana Factory is top secret and Like Airwolf‘s lair, tucked away inside a hollow mountain best reached by helicopter. An Italian man named Angelo arranged to meet me on the helipad of his yacht before we flew out for the guided tour (about half an hour from Barcelona). I was slightly disappointed not to meet any Umpa-Lumpas, though enjoyed a fascinating insight into the process and special formulas of the Spanish spray-bottles. The day conjured up strange feelings of nostalgia – combining memories of a trip to Cadbury’s World as a child and my teenage years spent order-picking in an Argos warehouse. Thank you Montana people. You never got that treatment with Hycote (mind you, we never used to pay for that)!
