I write Barnes or Animal Shelter, and I’m an American living in Seoul, South Korea. I’ve been writing for about 6 years now, but have been interested in graffiti since 95/96- just never got properly schooled by any older writers growing up.

I moved to Korea a few years ago for a few reasons. I moved to Portland, OR in ‘07 just after university and found my life to be a little stagnant.  I looked into teaching English in all Asian and South American nations that sounded interesting and ultimately South Korea offered the best opportunity to travel, make and save money, and get up in a truly foreign country. Had never been to anywhere in Asia prior so the decision was easy.

Some estimate that the city of Seoul itself is more populated than the entire continent of Australia.  Something like 22 million folks in Seoul and the outer metropolitan area. There are literally people everywhere at all times of day.  It’s also got the highest suicide rate on the planet. Go figure.

The food is amazing if you like Korean bar-be-que and kimchi. It’s all spicy as hell and very meat oriented, which both work very well for me.  No complaints on the food front. Even tried dog a few times.

It’s not as much strange so much as consistently annoying, but cars and scooters here don’t obey traditional road laws. Red lights are optional and cars frequently drive on the sidewalks. A pain in the ass for us pedestrians, but something you learn to work your way around.

It’s actually surprisingly easy to get up in this country, considering the amount of people always  meandering about. Also, it’s not a real developed scene here yet, so very few people even know what we’re doing. By the time most civilians even notice what’s happened, you’ve either disappeared or maintain like it never took place. And it’s not the cops you worry about, it’s the older storeowners and occasional random you encounter that’ll chase you.

The nightlife here kicks off well into the break of dawn with loads of quality spots depending on your forte’ or mood. Most places don’t seem to close until the place is empty, and you can smoke (ciggies, herb is simply not available in this country) and drink pretty much anywhere you want- subways, taxis, streets, anywhere. Koreans love to booze. Soju being a local favorite.

Asian chickies are fine as fuck and not that much of a challenge to tackle when you got your head on straight. I do all right for myself. Dating a Korean broad at the moment whom I quite dig, so…

I miss my homies, my family, and a few bad habits I can’t dabble in in this country, but I’m happy here for the time being.

Not much else to be said I guess, other than the backwards outlook a lot of writers have here about bombing. Since graff just got introduced to Asian culture not that long ago, kids here are taking it on without the history engrained. Trains aren’t really an option, and a lot of cats don’t really cover all the bases. I mean, it’s nice to be able to rock a skilled piece in a chill spot, but you gotta put in a load more work to be called a writer, which obviously means hands, throwies, straight letters, etc..

There’s a handful of cats getting up hard in this country and I can happily throw my name on that list, but most writers here take it on more as an “art form” rather than a battle against concrete and pubic space. Which I would say is more urban styled artwork than real graffiti. And I’m not claiming to be anywhere close to a giant in this game, but I’ve put my name on enough shit in this country to be able to say that confidently.

Word up. Shouts to the True Brother’s Militia , AX crew, my girl, my homie’s here in SFD, Clesh and Bisok, and Day in the Lyfe for hooking this up. Cheers.

By: Carmelo Sigona aka SNOW

@PAUL VINCENT GALLERY

Opening 6.6.10 Sunday from 3-7pm

49 Harrison St Hoboken NJ
www.spitfyreproductions.blogspot.com
www.paulvincentstudios.com
paulvincentgallery@gmail.com

Homegrown New Jersey artist Carmelo Sigona, aka SNOW, started as a student of graffiti and street art.  His early works and influences came from his time spent with various graffiti legends from Paterson, NJ to the Bronx, NY.  He has an immense body of work that spans 3 decades.  From his bombing days in the 80’s to his production work in the 90’s, and his mixed mediums of the new century, SNOW continues to push the bar with his versatility. His ability to challenge himself and try innovative styles while maintaining a distinct feel to his work, has entertained and inspired graffiti writers and artists worldwide.

SNOW has worked for Todd McFarlane, creator of Spawn, as a painter and designer of action figures, play sets, and environments. He has created stage sets, props, album covers and backdrops for numerous music industry icons: Will Smith, Wu Tang Clan, Gangstarr, Mobb Deep and Chris Brown to name a few.  His work and career is frequently featured in periodicals including Time and People magazine.  He currently operates Fly Dragon Studio where he is creating a series of graffiti and hip hop inspired comic books. With this series, titled TALES from the MIST™, SNOW hopes to expand his influence into a new realm!

The Paul Vincent Gallery is committed to bringing high quality art and entertainment to the City of Hoboken. The team at Paul Vincent Gallery strives to continue building a community of people who celebrate culture and an appreciation for the arts. In addition to exhibitions, the gallery hosts live model drawing sessions every Tuesday night and offers its space up as a photo rental studio. The space is close to 2000sqft and is located at 49 Harrison Street, Hoboken, NJ. For more information please contact paulvincentstudios@gmail.com.

OTR Book # 9 JEPSY ? The Real Deal

Jepsy of TRD (The Real Deal) made a name for himself in the mid 90?s setting the European transit lines ablaze with his classic New York City styles and elaborate characters executed with clear-cut precision. Full aesthetic production like this on trains was and still is a rare and wondrous sight. Naturally, Jepsy gained international fame. Now, back by popular demand, this edition is a must-have for all die-hard fans of steel burners. Its predecessor became a much sought-after collector?s item after its initial success in 1997. Get yours quick before they disappear again…

Take a look inside the book here!
http://www.fromheretofame.com/downloads/OTRB_JEPSY_teaser.pdf

Available now!

Title: JEPSY ? The Real Deal
Series: ON THE RUN BOOKS # 9
Author: Amber Grünhäuser
Pages: 128, full color, ca. 250 Illustrations & photographs
Format: 23,5 x 16cm (9.25 x 6.3 inches)
Language: English edition

Price Paperback: 9.95 ? | 9.99 £ | US $ 14.95
ISBN Paperback: 978-3-937946-66-5

Limited collector?s edition:
Price Hardcover: 14.95 ? | 14.99 £ | US $ 19.95
ISBN Hardcover: 978-3-937946-67-2
Silver Embossed Hardcover with Jacket & Stitch Binding