Hello My Name Is: 45rpm

Name: 45rpm
Crew: TUFF
City/Country: Bristol, UK
When did you start writing? 1999

What’s graffiti for you?
Most people spend there whole lives searching for something to make them tick. Ive found mine.

Influences?
My crew push me daily, constantly seeing stuff they have done that is better then me is inspiring and makes me leave the house.

Tell us about your city, how is life and graffiti there?
I live in Bristol were in certain pubs there might be 30 writers out, so it gets messy and boozey in a good way. I wouldn’t live anywhere else in the world.

What keeps you still writing?
The smile it puts on my face.

What first made you interested in graffiti and how did you end up on that track?
Train journeys watching names pass by. If your artistic and have mischief in your veins graffiti is next step.

What do you do when you’re not painting?
I draw, paint, take photos, travel on repeat.

How would you describe your style?
Goofy nonsense.

Can you remember the first piece you did?
I wrote Pest in bubble letters with Hycote metallic car paint in a storm drain in 1999 next to a Metallica tag, it looked terrible.

What do you think about the new generation of writers in your city?
They push everyone in a good way, it brings different styles as well which is always good. Shouts to DBK, CNTS, NFA and ADNS. Bristol is full of writers with the thirst!

What are the best and worst aspects of graffiti?
The best aspects are the experiences i’ve had along the way and the people i’ve met. The worst is that its all I think about, which isn’t good if you want to lead a normal lifestyle. (which I don’t)

What writers have inspired you?
Petro, Oker, Tors and Seno. There always a step above everyone and always have been.

Can you ever feel tired of graffiti?
I get tired of graffiti on the internet! but not of doing it. If you get bored of it your in a hall of fame. Go explore.

What do you hope people will think and feel when they see your stuff?
Most of my drawings are made to make people smile, so hopefully they do.2

FIVE FAVORITES
Spray Paint: Ironlak
City: Berlin
Markers/pens: strikers
Surface: Any virgin spot
Cap: Stock cap

Website: www.thebearded45.co.uk
Instagram: @45rpmwhat