Aug 17, 2015 8 Questions with: The Graffiti Hunter
I met The Graffiti Hunter during POW! WOW! Long Beach as they were kind enough to spend lots of time in LB documenting the murals and leaving their signature calling cards at mural sites. It all started when they were living in DTLA and saw how much art appears on the streets, free for all to see. Friends would ask, “Where is this? Who did this? What else have they done?” and the concept was born. The Graffiti Hunter researches the art prior to posting so that the artist is credited and the public can find more information about what they have for sale. Using geotagged images and hashtag hints, The Graffiti Hunter uses Social Media to spread the word. As someone who spends quite a bit of spare time hunting down street art, I can definitely appreciate this mission. I think it’s a great way to explore a city and find some nice art along the way. Interestingly, The Graffiti Hunter thinks it’s important to be anonymous, like many of the artists, so everyone can identify as The Graffiti Hunter. “That way the focus is on the art.” Don’t forget to follow The Graffiti Hunter on social media including Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
What are you currently working on?
Working on producing new Art Cards. Every few months I produce a deck of 50 different art cards from my photos of street art in Los Angeles. I leave a card everywhere I shoot and also in the downtown LA Arts District for people to find, collect and discover more about the art on the streets of LA.
How would you describe your job?
I wouldn’t call it a job, more like a cause. The Graffiti Hunter is part scavenger hunt, part art gallery documenting LA’s non-permanent collection.
What does your average work day look like?
I send myself screen grabs of art throughout LA that I see on the internet during the week and hunt them down on the weekends.
What’s the best thing about living and working in LA?
LA is the creative capital of the world and that creativity overflows onto the streets, free for all to see (as long you you know where to find it).
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in the fact that artists are creating work and going out and posting on the streets in the middle of the night, climbing fences, rooftops, rain or shine, just for the love of it.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to work with art and as I kid growing up in Detroit I was very influenced by field trips to the DIA to view the Diego Rivera murals.
What are you reading at the moment?
I love all magazines and anything printed is better than reading on-line.
What’s your favorite post-work destination?
Pie Hole (on Traction Ave, in the Los Angeles Arts District).
