Interview with Ghost

Ghost is a well known graffiti artist in Bay Area. I had the pleasure of following him around one late Monday night.

Why Monday?
It's the easiest night because most people go to bed early on Monday night.

I dressed in all black so we would not get caught and I noticed you are wearing a white t-shirt. What's up with that?
Ha, ha. It's not that serious.

Why graffiti?
Why not? It's like instant gratification, Abstract art, you know. Everyone will drive past and see my work. For most artist that kind of exposure never happens. Plus, I love spray paint. it has to the hardest paint to use. It's always a challenge.

What is your work about?
Social injustice for latinos.

What is your process?
I have drawn out the idea on paper. Basic ideas. make decisions on the colors that will be used. Buy spray paint. Finally, I locate the spot. This can take a long time since it has feel right to me. Any space will not work for me. I want impact. Shock and awe.

Ever been arrested?
yeah, right after I turned 18. What a nightmare. 300 hours of community service cleaning graffiti. Some of it needed to be removed.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Maybe I will make a living as an artist like Keith Harring. Right now I am an economics major at UC Berkeley so you never know what the future holds.

So, who taught you graffiti art?
I taught myself.

I have difficulty working with spray paint, you know avoiding the dripping.
There is a certain distance you have to have between you and the wall, a light hand on the can.

Any advice for your fellow artists?
Embrace the thrill.

At the end of the interview I saw Ghost in action. It was pure Abstract Expressionism. It was beautiful to watch.