“From my own experience, Banksy is who brought me in to the realm of street art. Ive been involved in the digital art scene for around 7 years, and for the past 3-4 years my style has been distinctly street. However, I was still unaware of the street art scene and its related websites. One day in December, I happened upon an article about Banksy and have been infatuated with him ever since. It has led me to find so many new design sites (Wooster included) and has really opened my eyes to design possibilities I had yet to consider.”

From Riley:

“After reading your article this morning concerning your point of view in regards to Banksy being an entry point for people (including myself) in accepting this “form” of art I couldn’t say you are more right. It first started with stumbling onto stencil revolution, than seeing work by an artist referred to as Banksy. Suddenly I saw a venue of art that I could not only appreciate, but also contribute too and share immediately without the issue’s of it being accepted as “real” art. It didn’t need to be in a studio, or a museum it was out there to be found and experienced in person in everyday life. I remember running around the office showing people the Banksy website with such enthusiasm preaching to everyone how this was an artist who didn’t need to be in any building or on any canvas to make such an impact. It also in turn made me search out and find other artists and start to see how their creative talents were in no way less artistic just because they’re canvases were a thousand things considered illegal instead of my admission fee to any art show.

I agree wholeheartedly with your points of view this morning, Banksy was that spark that turned my consciousness or better to say, turned my everyday point of view in regards to the world around me into what it is today. He helped bridge a gap of sorts from attending an art show to just paying attention when I’m walking around and noticing what he might of inspired in others including myself.”

From Valerie:

“Being an avid collector myself for years, I’ve been really surprised as well at the “banksy effect”. I often wonder now looking at my walls, if my retirement might not mean working as a receptionist in my 60’s to put food on my plate and a roof over my head.  But I think we should also think of previous urban art effects that didn’t last so long—the comparisons are quite interesting and I think you guys would dig it, a little research on a rainy day perhaps…(wouldn’t surprise me if you already know all this stuff, but maybe not)

Studio 1980 in NYC, this was very similar to the CNN clip of Santa’s Ghetto—funded by a pretty well known art collector in the 80’s, Sam Esses.  These artists included Futura, Zephyr, Lady Pink—-

They all made MAD MONEY in the galleries for a while, and then the market just dropped out like an overdosed good looking whore.

I agree with you regarding street art turn urban art coming to it’s own, and I agree with you that it will reach the heights of “Pop” Art such as the like of Warhol—-frankly I think it will EXCEED WARHOLs work and contributions for a number of reasons (way too much for an email, maybe a good drink and conversation one day soon in nyc).

I guess what I would love to see happen, is to go further back…you guys have been on an “old skool” kick for the writers of the 70’s and earlier 80’s, and I often wonder how cool it would be to get into that cellar of the likes of Mr. Esses, and look at all the molding canvases, just lying around not seeing the light of day, like last decades fashion trends.  Those writers in NYC started the whole creative process in our modern times (technically I guess you would have to give it to early man, right?).

I read a book a few years back—-I think you guys would appreciate it as well called “Taking the Train”, it reflects alot about why we love this shit so much.  And why without it, well, I can’t even conceive that notion…”

From Jeff:

“I have always been so frustrated and confused over why it is people in the street art world wont give bansky the respect he deserves. I guess it comes down to art losing its ‘coolness’ when it enters the mainstream. What im so pissed about is- the people’s ignorance holding them back from seeing that ART and ‘COOL’ should have no relationship what so ever. Lets ask why a street artist even CREATES the art? For people to see it and become inspired. ( from personal experience). So wasn’t that the main objective manifesting itself?? My plea-  “Please people, grow up and enjoy the art you see. And be glad it is mainstream, otherwise- you probably wouldn’t be seeing it.”