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Colchester: Graffiti - think art not vandalism call from artists
A street artist has called for a positive approach to tackling graffiti rather than a zero-tolerance clampdown.
John Rutherford, who organises workshops to teach teenagers how to make works of art out of graffiti, has called for street artists to be given space in Colchester to showcase their talents legally, as has been done in Ipswich and Southend.
The 20-year-old spoke out following the police and Colchester Council's announcement last month of a joint campaign against graffiti, which will see covert CCTV used to monitor hot spots.
John said there was "a world of difference" between tagging - where a signature is crudely scribbled on a wall, as can be seen across the town centre - and proper spray-can art.
"Street art is now part of mainstream art, with pieces commanding price tags of a million dollars and galleries featuring the work of a varied range of street artists," he said.
"Many of the pieces that we see around Colchester are a testing ground for those who have a love for the art form."
10:17pm Thursday 15th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Trunkymunghound, Essex on 9:44am Fri 16 May 08
Thank you John for giving us the benefit of your whole 20 years you've spent on this planet but why don't you do your "art" on something you own like some paper or canvas instead of on the property of someone else?
Idiot
Thank you John for giving us the benefit of your whole 20 years you've spent on this planet but why don't you do your "art" on something you own like some paper or canvas instead of on the property of someone else?
Idiot
Posted by: Lol on 10:03am Fri 16 May 08
Whilst I am the first to admit that I really dislike the scrawling mess the 'taggers' leave in their wake ,we should perhaps give the genuine ones the benefit of the doubt.
Perhaps the council could find them a location to test us and them on.That way we can at least form an opinion before denouncing this altogether.
Find them a spot to do their art and them we can all sit back ,have a look and make a choice whether we like it or not.
At least this young man has openly asked for permission ,unlike the idiots who think it's o.k to disfigure anything in their wake.
i have seen some rather beautiful examples of Street Art as well as some downright offensive examples of vandalism with paint.
Lets not judge until we are all aware of the full picture.
He has not asked for the moon ,just somewhere to do this without breaking the law.Yes ,he is young ,but weren't we all ?.
I admire his gumption in asking permission first ,go on ,give them a chance .we may all be very surprised.Please don't group this young man in with all the 'yobs' who spray paint with diasterous effect.
By the way ,I am not a yoof ,just a Grannie who thinks the young should be given a break and a chance to perhaps impress us .If we decide we don't like it all fair and good ,but we don't know until we try.
Whilst I am the first to admit that I really dislike the scrawling mess the 'taggers' leave in their wake ,we should perhaps give the genuine ones the benefit of the doubt.
Perhaps the council could find them a location to test us and them on.That way we can at least form an opinion before denouncing this altogether.
Find them a spot to do their art and them we can all sit back ,have a look and make a choice whether we like it or not.
At least this young man has openly asked for permission ,unlike the idiots who think it's o.k to disfigure anything in their wake.
i have seen some rather beautiful examples of Street Art as well as some downright offensive examples of vandalism with paint.
Lets not judge until we are all aware of the full picture.
He has not asked for the moon ,just somewhere to do this without breaking the law.Yes ,he is young ,but weren't we all ?.
I admire his gumption in asking permission first ,go on ,give them a chance .we may all be very surprised.Please don't group this young man in with all the 'yobs' who spray paint with diasterous effect.
By the way ,I am not a yoof ,just a Grannie who thinks the young should be given a break and a chance to perhaps impress us .If we decide we don't like it all fair and good ,but we don't know until we try.
Posted by: Trunkymunghound, Essex on 1:17pm Fri 16 May 08
"Find them a spot to do their art and them we can all sit back ,have a look and make a choice whether we like it or not.
"
OK so we'll let them do their "art" on the side wall of your house. And when you decide that you don't like his choice,lets say a sceaming skull with fire coming out it's mouth then after we tell him we don't like it then he'll stop and take up stamp collecting, eh?
It's a crime, should be treated as a crime and dealt with as a crime
Another idiot
"Find them a spot to do their art and them we can all sit back ,have a look and make a choice whether we like it or not.
"
OK so we'll let them do their "art" on the side wall of your house. And when you decide that you don't like his choice,lets say a sceaming skull with fire coming out it's mouth then after we tell him we don't like it then he'll stop and take up stamp collecting, eh?
It's a crime, should be treated as a crime and dealt with as a crime
Another idiot
Posted by: Dave B, Essex on 1:51pm Fri 16 May 08
[quote][bold]Trunkymunghound[/bold] wrote:
Thank you John for giving us the benefit of your whole 20 years you've spent on this planet but why don't you do your "art" on something you own like some paper or canvas instead of on the property of someone else?
Idiot[/quote] Perhaps Trunkymunghound should have taken a moment to read this article properly which asks for a "space in Colchester to showcase their talents legally, as has been done in Ipswich and Southend".
Had you taken the time to learn what those schemes were and how they work, rather than your ill informed rambling on this topic you may have been able to make a positive and proactive comment, geared towards helping young people showcase some talent.
I find your ignorant appraisal of how such a scheme would work with "flaming skulls" adorning houses comical, if your suggestion is how you would solve this issue or is really the only was that you can see of allowing these individuals to express themselves via this medium then that saddens me slightly.
Trunkymunghound wrote:
Thank you John for giving us the benefit of your whole 20 years you've spent on this planet but why don't you do your "art" on something you own like some paper or canvas instead of on the property of someone else?
Idiot
Perhaps Trunkymunghound should have taken a moment to read this article properly which asks for a "space in Colchester to showcase their talents legally, as has been done in Ipswich and Southend".
Had you taken the time to learn what those schemes were and how they work, rather than your ill informed rambling on this topic you may have been able to make a positive and proactive comment, geared towards helping young people showcase some talent.
I find your ignorant appraisal of how such a scheme would work with "flaming skulls" adorning houses comical, if your suggestion is how you would solve this issue or is really the only was that you can see of allowing these individuals to express themselves via this medium then that saddens me slightly.
Posted by: Say It As It Is, Clackers on 2:11pm Fri 16 May 08
This idea was mooted about when I was a kid in the late 70s/early 80s. Way way before Mr Rutherford was born. Seems a good idea but it would be interesting to know in areas where these schemes are already in place, has their been a decrease in graffiti generally?
This idea was mooted about when I was a kid in the late 70s/early 80s. Way way before Mr Rutherford was born. Seems a good idea but it would be interesting to know in areas where these schemes are already in place, has their been a decrease in graffiti generally?
Posted by: Lol on 2:50pm Fri 16 May 08
Idiot appraiser ...I never said that they should do it on anyones house and neither did the young man.I merely suggested that they should be given the opportunity to show us what they can do and then we can make a choice.There are places this could work like skateparks and playgrounds where it may be appreciated.
He IS asking for permission ,not just going off and trying it out and upsetting people ,please don't think he is a vandal ,he HAS asked first.
Idiot appraiser ...I never said that they should do it on anyones house and neither did the young man.I merely suggested that they should be given the opportunity to show us what they can do and then we can make a choice.There are places this could work like skateparks and playgrounds where it may be appreciated.
He IS asking for permission ,not just going off and trying it out and upsetting people ,please don't think he is a vandal ,he HAS asked first.
Posted by: Rob, Colchester on 3:22pm Fri 16 May 08
At least permission has been asked, and an idea put forward to be considered. Whether it should be approved may be another matter and it would be interesting to find out if this has worked or not elsewhere. But there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking permission and putting forward an idea.
Contrast this with the councillors who forced a VAF on us, that many of the people they are supposed to be representing didn't want, and will be footing the bill for years to come.
At least permission has been asked, and an idea put forward to be considered. Whether it should be approved may be another matter and it would be interesting to find out if this has worked or not elsewhere. But there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking permission and putting forward an idea.
Contrast this with the councillors who forced a VAF on us, that many of the people they are supposed to be representing didn't want, and will be footing the bill for years to come.
Posted by: A View From Afar, Colchester on 4:03pm Fri 16 May 08
Yes this can be and is clearly ART, but only if it is in the right place!
Mindless graffiti daubed and scribbled on property is vandalism and it should be dealt with by the authorities.
Give the real Graffiti artists space to work in the VAF, where they could practice their art.
After all isn't the VAF meant to be representative of all art forms.
But maybe some will see the VAF as being far too 'high brow' to accept 'street art' as this is!
Yes this can be and is clearly ART, but only if it is in the right place!
Mindless graffiti daubed and scribbled on property is vandalism and it should be dealt with by the authorities.
Give the real Graffiti artists space to work in the VAF, where they could practice their art.
After all isn't the VAF meant to be representative of all art forms.
But maybe some will see the VAF as being far too 'high brow' to accept 'street art' as this is!
Posted by: Dave, Colchester on 5:03pm Fri 16 May 08
BREAKING NEWS: Vandals using graffiti have made thousands of pounds worth of improvements to the VAF.
BREAKING NEWS: Vandals using graffiti have made thousands of pounds worth of improvements to the VAF.
Posted by: Karl, Colchester on 5:25pm Fri 16 May 08
If you have a legal place to do 'street art' what you find is someone spends a lot of time doing a really interested mural and then some little toe rag comes along and just tags over it in black or sprays swear words over the top.
If you have a legal place to do 'street art' what you find is someone spends a lot of time doing a really interested mural and then some little toe rag comes along and just tags over it in black or sprays swear words over the top.
Posted by: Trunkymunghound, essex on 8:46pm Fri 16 May 08
Davie B
"space in Colchester to showcase their talents legally, as has been done in Ipswich and Southend".
You mean like the appalling daubings at the Focus youthclub in short street?
Or the newly decorated changing rooms in Victory sports ground?
Or anywhere you care to mention along Prittlebrook?
I s'ppose you're one of these adults who think they have the finger on the pulse of today's youth?
Once you give them the green light sit back and watch em go
Davie B
"space in Colchester to showcase their talents legally, as has been done in Ipswich and Southend".
You mean like the appalling daubings at the Focus youthclub in short street?
Or the newly decorated changing rooms in Victory sports ground?
Or anywhere you care to mention along Prittlebrook?
I s'ppose you're one of these adults who think they have the finger on the pulse of today's youth?
Once you give them the green light sit back and watch em go
Posted by: Dave B, Essex on 9:30pm Fri 16 May 08
[quote][bold]Trunkymunghound[/bold] wrote:
Davie B
\"space in Colchester to showcase their talents legally, as has been done in Ipswich and Southend\".
You mean like the appalling daubings at the Focus youthclub in short street?
Or the newly decorated changing rooms in Victory sports ground?
Or anywhere you care to mention along Prittlebrook?
I s\'ppose you\'re one of these adults who think they have the finger on the pulse of today\'s youth?
Once you give them the green light sit back and watch em go[/quote] No I mean the schemes whereby they are given a space, and some canvas to display their work.
This can, and would be my recommendation, mobile canvas, such as sheets of plasterboard, hung in a public area so that people can watch this young talent at work, and then afterwards, having moved it further appreciate their talent in galleries - public exhibitions etc.
Or of course we could just dismiss the good intent of these young people and rubbish them
Trunkymunghound wrote:
Davie B
\"space in Colchester to showcase their talents legally, as has been done in Ipswich and Southend\".
You mean like the appalling daubings at the Focus youthclub in short street?
Or the newly decorated changing rooms in Victory sports ground?
Or anywhere you care to mention along Prittlebrook?
I s\'ppose you\'re one of these adults who think they have the finger on the pulse of today\'s youth?
Once you give them the green light sit back and watch em go
No I mean the schemes whereby they are given a space, and some canvas to display their work.
This can, and would be my recommendation, mobile canvas, such as sheets of plasterboard, hung in a public area so that people can watch this young talent at work, and then afterwards, having moved it further appreciate their talent in galleries - public exhibitions etc.
Or of course we could just dismiss the good intent of these young people and rubbish them
Posted by: Dave B, Essex on 9:54pm Fri 16 May 08
I could of course also try to put my finger on your pulse - I suspect however (though well done for some vague research into the matter)that I would find it as limp, lifeless and un-willing to accept anything other than your first, one track minded approach to this topic.
I would wholeheartedly support an effective way to allow these artists a chance to show us what they can do, and whether I like the final product or not should be irrelevant.
They have put the time, effort and thought in to preventing this medium from being vandalism, do we not owe them a chance to show us otherwwise.
For the record I am in fact younger than the
talented individual that suggested this scheme.
I could of course also try to put my finger on your pulse - I suspect however (though well done for some vague research into the matter)that I would find it as limp, lifeless and un-willing to accept anything other than your first, one track minded approach to this topic.
I would wholeheartedly support an effective way to allow these artists a chance to show us what they can do, and whether I like the final product or not should be irrelevant.
They have put the time, effort and thought in to preventing this medium from being vandalism, do we not owe them a chance to show us otherwwise.
For the record I am in fact younger than the
talented individual that suggested this scheme.
Posted by: angry, colchester on 5:23pm Sat 17 May 08
chop their hands off.!!!
Posted by: Trunkymunghound, essex on 8:48am Sun 18 May 08
Davie B
Went to London yesterday and walked past the "Steet Art" on the south bank near the London Eyesore. (Queen Elizabeth Conference Hall or somewhere?)
Some of those who were presumably given official permission to spray/paint/daub there, show talent but what of the other muppets who've now taken to adding to it without permission and turned the whole thing into a shambles.
My point is: those with real artistic talent should show it on canvas or paper and have it shown at exhibtions at art galleries or libraries where those who want to see it can and not have it thrust on the rest of us who think it looks a mess.
And if we gave John Rutherford and his pals, lets say a wall for them to decorate, would they then agree to let it show for a week and then paint it over in white for somone else to have a go?
If you think they'd agree to that then you probably think that Elvis isn't dead
Cheers!
Davie B
Went to London yesterday and walked past the "Steet Art" on the south bank near the London Eyesore. (Queen Elizabeth Conference Hall or somewhere?)
Some of those who were presumably given official permission to spray/paint/daub there, show talent but what of the other muppets who've now taken to adding to it without permission and turned the whole thing into a shambles.
My point is: those with real artistic talent should show it on canvas or paper and have it shown at exhibtions at art galleries or libraries where those who want to see it can and not have it thrust on the rest of us who think it looks a mess.
And if we gave John Rutherford and his pals, lets say a wall for them to decorate, would they then agree to let it show for a week and then paint it over in white for somone else to have a go?
If you think they'd agree to that then you probably think that Elvis isn't dead
Cheers!
Posted by: semi pro vandal, colchester on 6:23pm Mon 9 Jun 08
Trunkymunghound who are you to define the mean of expression. sounds alot like fascism to me. your ill informed rhetoric, makes you a laughable opponent in this fourm. your have no knowledge of what your critiquing.
i write my name places because of the love of the style and culture. but half the time i feel like doing it because it's dumb people like you who distract people from real issues.
a name on a wall isn't important. going to war for lies and oil is. you preoccupy your mind with the trivial because you can't deal with whats really going on, or you dont feel important enough at home or at work, so you feel the need to lash out at people working in the community.
graffiti is a wider metaphor for change, like a revolution.
and we [bold]are[/bold] lucky to be able to see it.
you will always have the inane 'kev was ere' illegibly scrawled on walls but who cares you should have better thing to think about.
im 21 and i write my name and draw pictures on walls.
lock me up please so i don't have to deal with this ignorance.
shout to john, keep the scene progressing.
knowledge and love.
Trunkymunghound who are you to define the mean of expression. sounds alot like fascism to me. your ill informed rhetoric, makes you a laughable opponent in this fourm. your have no knowledge of what your critiquing.
i write my name places because of the love of the style and culture. but half the time i feel like doing it because it's dumb people like you who distract people from real issues.
a name on a wall isn't important. going to war for lies and oil is. you preoccupy your mind with the trivial because you can't deal with whats really going on, or you dont feel important enough at home or at work, so you feel the need to lash out at people working in the community.
graffiti is a wider metaphor for change, like a revolution.
and we
are lucky to be able to see it.
you will always have the inane 'kev was ere' illegibly scrawled on walls but who cares you should have better thing to think about.
im 21 and i write my name and draw pictures on walls.
lock me up please so i don't have to deal with this ignorance.
shout to john, keep the scene progressing.
knowledge and love.
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