Hello My Name Is: Siek

Name: Siek
Crew: PA, PFE, GAK, KTS
City/Country: Baltimore, MD (USA)
When did you start writing? Started catching tags in 1990.

What’s graffiti for you?
For me graffiti i part of who I am.

Influences?
I’m influenced by every day life, nature, color, etc. Anything inspiring can be an influence. I was originally influenced to do graffiti by older kids in my neighborhood in late 80’s Northern New Jersey.

Tell us about your city, how is life and graffiti there?
After spending over ten years painting and living in NYC, I’ve settled in the Baltimore area. I mostly paint in Baltimore city which is a city of strong graffiti roots especially concerning hand styles.

What keeps you still writing?
Honestly I’ve never stopped writing for more than a couple weeks over the entire span of my career as a writer. The most basic answer – I don’t know how to stop.

What first made you interested in graffiti and how did you end up on that track?
As I stated earlier I was inspired by older kids in my neighborhood that interested me in the concept of doing tags on walls. The simple progression of doing marker tags to paint tags, paint tags to throw-ups, throw-ups to pieces kept me interested.

What trends are you seeing now in the graffiti world that you don’t like?
Trends are the reason that regional styles have faltered and merged into one homogeneous and unrecognizable style. It’s saddening having grown up as a writer during a time when you knew where someone was from by just seeing their tag. I blame the internet first ans social media second. Egos and the reluctance to take the youth under your wing is another reason.

What do you do when you’re not painting?
When I’m not painting I’m working a full-time job and spending time with my wife.

How would you describe your style?
I describe my style as clean and color-conscience.

Can you remember the first piece you did?
Unfortunately.

Future plans?
Continue painting, not being satisfied with the status quo, and continuing to progress.

Do you adapt your pieces and tags to the spot/surface?
Yes. I normally go to a spot having prepared for the surface, shape, etc.

What do you think about the new generation of writers in your city?
There is a strong younger generation in Baltimore that respects the older writers and works to maintain Baltimore hand styles.

What are the best and worst aspects of graffiti?
Best – The feeling of accomplishment after spending a good amount of time and effort on a wall. Worst – Dealing with the negative attitudes of others.

Who do you paint for?
Myself.

What writers have inspired you?
Daver, Clark, Arbor, Reup, SMK, Sest, Skizm, Nero.

Can you ever feel tired of graffiti?
Nah.

What do you hope people will think and feel when they see your stuff?
Inspiration to do better.

FIVE FAVORITES
Spray Paint: Belton, Flame Blue, Ironlak
City: East Coast
Markers/pens: OG Mops, Uni’s, Painters Acrylic
Surface: Buffed cinder block, Metal
Cap: NY Fats, Yellow Universal

Instagram @siekism