As Incredible and elaborate as the Bay Area's Graffiti Scene is, it still has a very impermanent nature as an art form. Pieces get painted over, buildings get demolished and things get forgotten as the new generation starts catching tags and learning how to paint. It is easy to become just another has been writer with stories about the old days and spots.
_Graffiti photographers arent the most respected group of people involved in the scene, but the importance of this group is still yet to come. Just as Henry Chaffant and Martha Cooper made New York's early days accessible to new jacks like our generation, Claudine RL Co, and FunkandJazz are our new cultural leasons for the years to come. The work of Angie Crabtree is incredible to me becuase it is just where I was going with SF Grit, but she is able to take it so much farther because of color and her darkroom abilities.
_Angie's work is as much a harsh documentation as it is a new art style.
How did you get into shooting graffiti and what pushes you to get out to these spots?
_I didn't start shooting until I moved to San Francisco, which I find to be one of the most amazing places -- not only for graffiti, but also for its incredible diversity and environment. My interest in the scene was triggered from being surrounded in the culture that many of my friends were involved in, and eventually I couldn't help but want to document these places. After spending lots of time exploring, I became interested in the histories that lie within each building, and decided to really focus on the environment in which graffiti embellishes. What really pushes me to get into these places is not only the adventure, but also the reality in knowing that they won't be here forever. I think that the buildings are a trait that makes this city unique, which is why I like to focus on graffiti in relationship its their setting, rather than focusing in on big pieces like most graffiti documentation.
Have you had any problems trespassing or with bums wanting your camera?
_Yes, but in all, nothing extreme. Obviously, trespassing is always an issue of concern when you are sneaking into off-limit buildings in broad daylight. Fortunately, most bystanders wouldn't consider my appearance to be threatening considering I look like a young and innocent girl. In some circumstances, my innocent appearance can attract creepy bums looking to mess with me, but in other situations it can work to my advantage. For instance, if I'm ever stopped by authority, I always play off the fake-nice attitude such as, "Oh, I wasn't supposed to go in here? I'm so sorry, I was just walking by and thought I could take some pretty pictures for my school project." So far, it's worked. As for bums, I've definitely encountered a few wackos, but I've also made friends with some that have helped me find ways in and given me a heads up in certain situations. One time, I photographed a homeless man named Mickey outside of Thunderdome, and returned later to give him the photograph as a way to say thank you for the help. I still like to visit him when I'm close by.
Your'e an observer of the SF scene, who do you like?
_That's a tough question. Painting has been my passion since I was very young, but stylistically, my work is very different from graffiti . I guess you could say that I'm usually more attracted to anything technically well done. I don't really feel the need to mention any names because we all know who they are. Actually, wait...as a side comment, I wanna say that I love atari's current throwies. They remind me of being on a playground for some reason...
I
really like how harsh your work is, and that the contrast and colors add
to the decay and rust of the places you shoot, how did you get started
in this style?
_The
way I photograph is the way I paint. I just recently started taking photography
seriously when I got the opportunity to take classes in both black/white
and color photography at the San Francisco Art Institute. Developing your
own film isn't an easy task, but when it's done properly, it's definitely
worth it. I intentionally use film cameras because I find them to be more
of a personal and efficient art form. Going digital may be cheaper and
faster, but when it comes to my art, I think the process is important.
_Hmm, I definitely have to give props to a friend of mine that I consider to be extremely dedicated to his passion for photographing graffiti in the Bay Area... that'd be good old Phunk (12oz name) or FunkAndJazz (Flickr name). If you follow graf online at all, you know who this guy is. He's a hell of a lot of fun to photograph with. Check out his work.
Give us a story, something that has happened from following this scene?
_Well, I feel like I have a story for every place I've gone into. I'll keep it short and simple: This month I was chased by a pit bull when leaving a building.
Future plans? how about a book?
_I'm thinking it might be cool to publish a book about these buildings and the SF scene, but only after most are no longer in existence. That would give me the chance to explain their history without worrying about giving away their locations. As for other future plans, I am eventually going to have a show that brings together both my photography and canvas work since the graffiti theme is relevant. You can check out more of my work at www.flickr.com/photos/angiecrabtree/
Thanks
Angie, keep doing what you do.
_Woorrddd.
Peace.
