Hello My Name Is: Derok

Name: Derok
Crew: GBS, NRB and TOBOGANG
City/country: Actually, Barcelona

When did you start writing?
I touched a spray can for the first time in 2001 but I started to paint seriously a few years later.

What’s graffiti for you?
The drug to which I’m the most addicted right now. It’s also an incredible way to escape daily life and a constant learning process.

Influences?
Daily life and what I see with my own eyes. I consider myself as an observant person. I’m influenced by the people that surround me and I’m really interested by classic New York graffiti of the 70s and 80s.

Tell us about your city, how is life and graffiti there?
Nowadays, I’m living in Barcelona. I think it’s a really great city. Good weather, sea and mountains. Talking about graffiti, well, there’s for everyone. There are a lot of active people in every area of the game.

What keeps you still writing?
I couldn’t tell you precisely but I guess it’s an accumulation of circumstances. Let’s say that I still see the light at the end of the tunnel.

What trends are you seeing now in the graffiti world that you don’t like?
As a graffiti consumer I’m able to appreciate, to see something positive about, almost everything that I see. Still, I don’t like the fact that some people are more focused on what others do than on their own work. And this isn’t only in the graff game, this is in life in general.

What do you do when you’re not painting?
Living the life, which is something…

How would you describe your style?
Curves and straight lines. Connections, proportions and harmony. I also give a lot of importance to the color scheme.

Can you remember the first piece you did?
Yes, a masterpiece! hahah

Future plans?
On a short term, enjoying life in general. I’m not the type of person making long term plans.

Do you adapt your pieces and tags to the spot/surface?
Of course. Still, I try to paint spots that suit better my pieces.

What do you think about the new generation of writers in your city?
There’s a lot of movement all the time. There are a lot of people doing powerful stuff.

What are the best and the worst aspects of graffiti?
The best part is all the good times that it generates. Experiences, adventure, anecdotes, etc… The worst, I already told you.

Who do you paint for?
For me. Then, if someone’s like it, better for them and for me!

What writers have inspired you?
My friends, the people I paint with and those who surround me everyday.

Can you ever feel tired of graffiti?
Until now I never even thought about it.

FIVE FAVORITES
Spray paint: The ones that they give me.
City: Bilbao
Markers/pens: Pilot Super Color Silver
Surface: Small bricks
Cap: Pocket

Instagram: @alaintherock