BK Streetart: Interview with DESAN21

An interview with Desan Twentyone!
www.desan21.deviantart.com

How it all started
A 15 year old boy back in 1999 walking down the streets. Inspired by hiphop and all the colored pieces on the wall. It started as a hobby, but it became a lifestyle.

I always loved to draw. It all started when I got in touch with Hip Hop. I loved the colored pieces on the wall and wanted to do that too! In the beginning it was just like a hobby, but after a while it became a lifestyle. With the pieces you make, you express yourself and put your soul into it.

Every year I made more sketches, filling my blackbooks. In 2003 I met some awesome people. I am still painting with them now in my crew. After 2005 we started to visit some meetings and other writers from other countries.

Does it take long to be a good graffiti writer?
I think it’s more important to do something different. Good is relative, if you’d ask me. It makes me more proud to be known as the “oriental writer” than be the “good writer”.

Can it be achieved without talent?
Someone who has talent will probably achieve things much faster, but with a strong will everything is possible. In my opinion the most important thing is to have fun and to love what you do. If you love what you do or did, you will be happy, no matter what other people say.

My work
I’m working legal. I don’t want to stress out. I just want to chill out with my crew. Take my time for a piece and meet new people. But I have big respect for all the bombers, I love their work. Let’s not forget it all started on the streets. The bombers are the roots of street writing and it’s good to have some color on the streets.

My style can be described as 3D, Oriental, Oriental-Dance. I’m trying to find a balance in my work. For me it doesn’t matter if people look at it as art or not. Nobody can tell what art is. In my pieces I can exactly tell you what I did and why. My pieces tell a story about me. I don’t have a best work. Every piece is a new challenge. Old pictures have their own story, putting me back in the moment and atmosphere. All the pieces which I haven’t painted yet are still in my brain and give me the power and motivation every day.

Inspiration
Meanwhile my works are mostly based on oriental style, mixed with new skool graffiti. Influenced by this two cultures, the picture reflects a personal identity and dialog between these two worlds.

“Inspirations you can get everywhere, you just have to open your eyes!”

Have a good look at your surroundings, the people, nature, not just the internet. It is the easiest way, but there is so much more.

Tips for beginners
You have sketch, sketch and sketch a lot! The most important is to have fun. Create your own style and don’t follow the hype. Be respectful to other writers and enjoy.

Rolemodels
I have a lot of rolemodels, specially oldskool writers. Clearly i love their styles, but I was even more inspired by their motivation. I think Oldskool writers set the base for us and they started by null. I thank them for that! That is the reason why they are kings for ever!

I also thank BK for your support. I love you guys.

At this point I want to send my love to my families: HTMNclub / IKS/ S2K/ Stillbaz

Desan21
www.desan21.com