Art from the Writerz Blok yard.
I love graffiti. Back when the film Style Wars first aired on PBS and the book Spray Can art came out the fascination took hold. Big colorful, creative art pieces springing up in the darnedest places was exciting and inspiring to me. I have never tried to do it myself but over the years I have known many graffiti artists and photographed many amazing pieces. Because graff is all about letter forms they call themselves “writers”. Over the years I have had the pleasure of working with several writers in the art departments of various jobs and my immersion into the culture deepened. Graffiti is often a starting point and a bridge for many into a wider art world. Many writers make good graphic designers and whether it is design, illustration or fine art many have successfully made the transition.
That is why when I recently heard about a local organization that provides a safe legal place for graffiti artists to work on and learn more about their craft, as well as expand their knowledge of art and design in general, I knew I had to go check it out. In their own words: “What began as a unique approach to prevent vandalism in southeastern San Diego is now one of the country’s most innovative youth art programs. Writerz Blok is about education, opportunity, and leadership through programs in muralism, screen printing, urban art, and disc jockey training.” As I approached the location the outdoor painting area (yard) came into view. (The WB yard has 10,000 sq ft of paintable wall space and is open to the public.) It was hard to miss. Large colorful letters, beautifully realized, pulled me like a tractor beam to the modest building out front. Behind barred windows and a vinyl sign was a small lobby full of graffiti art canvases and
merchandise decorated with the artwork of Writerz Blok artists. In addition to the retail items they offer Graphic design and printing services. Need a mural? No problem. Contact Writerz Blok. They offer workshops and classes, work with local museums, schools and law enforcement and have group shows.
Graffiti often gets a bad rap, especially when it shows up unwanted. Writerz Blok is not only offering a legal creative outlet for writers and a chance to turn their often misunderstood art form into a means of support. It is demonstrating to the community that graffiti can be a powerful and positive form of expression and a welcome part of our art scene.
More more information visit writerzblok.com
