From Shepard Fairey:

/>“What’s currently inspiring me is the tension between the commercial, fine
art, political, and graffiti worlds. I was just part of the Beautiful losers
show in San Francisco which broke attendance records at the Yerba Buena Museum.
I also went out bombing and hit several roof tops billboards etc… I’m out to
prove that it is possible to do everything without compromising integrity. Where
I am currently in my career is strange. I get a lot of great opportunities based
on what I have done but am also dissed some on the streets because I’m “too big”
or have “sold out”. That’s all bullshit but it still bugs me. I think any
artist’s natural inclination would be to focus their efforts where their work is
being received most positively. I still enjoy street art as much or more than
gallery work or things like album packaging or tee shirt graphics. Street art is
one of the last areas for free speech and expression and I have no interest in
being bullied out of using that medium for expression because a few haters who
have never even had to consider the dynamics of all these worlds are hostile
towards me instead of the real enemies like the cops and the war pigs.I have
been very motivated by our crappy president and his administration to make
statements on the street as well. A lot of people have been supportive and
others have criticized me for being political. I’ve really realized that
everybody is a critic but it does not matter as long as you yourself are doing
what you believe in. Persistence itself is inspiring to me. I also hope to
provide inspiration to others with my persistence. With as many demands on my
time as there are I still bomb and hope that provides inspiration to people that
you can work outside the establishment and take advantage of aspects within it
without being absorbed by it. I’m inspired by Neckface. He’s a cool guy who has
the fire and stays positive…he obviously does not care about the stereotypical
graffiti style. Word up!”.. Shepard
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