Chris Stain

Yesterday I went down to the Bowery to work on an installation...

Sun, 20 May 2012 09:38:33 -0400

Yesterday I went down to the Bowery to work on an installation for the Hendershot Gallery’s show titled Re-Print. It opens Wednesday night the 23rd from 6-8pm. Know Hope, Gaia, Anthony Lister, Immenent Disaster, Clown Soldier, Gilf, and a line up of other prominent street artists will be on display. For more info see the link below: http://www.hendershotgallery.com/

“If your hands aren’t bleeding, you aren’t working hard...

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:29:04 -0400

“If your hands aren’t bleeding, you aren’t working hard enough.”

It’s always surreal for me returning to Baltimore mostly because I don’t live there anymore and it’s the city of my youth that has brought me to this current place in my life in more ways than one. Driving in down North Ave passed the Baltimore Cemetery where my grandparents are buried, passed a modicum of boarded up row homes facing the street adorned with the red square and white x on the front door, still standing at attention like soldiers who had not been given a choice. The packed bus pulled in on a desolate Friday night along St Paul. It was warmer than NYC where I had boarded a few hours before, waiting in line on 33^rd St. where the wind whipped mercilessly around the corner of 7^th Ave. Bill picked me up about 10:30 and we headed to the studio to grab 40 cans of black Rusto Gaia had scored for a buck a can. There we ran into Sten and Lex who were sadly being held up on their mural production due to some printing issues. From there we ran off for some falafel and Berger cookies from the University Mart in Charles Village. Finally arriving at the wall off Guilford, I was happy to see Chip Thomas down the other end of the block putting up a piece from a photo he took of a neighborhood resident. The wall, the side of a 2 story row home at the end of the block stood adjacent to an empty parking lot which made it easy to set up the projector. A kind neighbor named Luke let us run an extension chord off his front stoop to light things up and get the image on the wall. He asked about our origins and we talked about Highlandtown and scrubbing marble steps to which he shared, “My grandmother always said, ‘If your hands aren’t bleeding you aren’t working hard enough’.” A car pulled into the lot and a man stepped out and said, “ You guys are cheating using that projector”, to which I replied, “ Yeah. I’m not that good and this is quicker.”

We finally got started about midnight. Open Walls Baltimore provided a 45ft boom lift that just about fit in the narrow alley/street. We loaded the paint and ourselves in, and Bill took the helm. The controls on the rig looked like something from the science center set up for kids to move foam rocks on the faux Mars landscape. We started on the image by going straight to the top of the head of the figure and working our way down and over, and down and over, towards the bottom of the piece. It was a chilly quiet evening save for the annoying beep that the boom produced anytime you moved up and down, or back and forth. I was conscious that the sound might disturb the sleeping neighbors but unfortunately I have to work at night and rain was in the forecast, so we trudged forward. As the boom climbed into the night sky we could see the wall had a beige stucco cement face; a common method used to repair brick walls that is usually cheaper and quicker than fixing it the right way by repointing the mortar. The surface had a medium grit sandpaper like feel, was unprimed after about 8ft from the ground, and sucked up paint like native Baltimorian’s suck up cans of Natty Boh. It was my grandmother’s drink of choice and seemingly her diet after my grandfather passed on. We worked continuously until 4:30 in the morning when we both admitted fatigue. Bill’s place was a short drive from the wall and we quickly collapsed on his couch for an hour of decompressing and thawing out.

The next day we arrived at the wall by noon just as it began to rain but we pushed through and luckily the shower passed. A neighbor stopped by to show his discontent about the mural and was offended that no one requested his opinion for this City sanctioned project and that the lift was blocking the alley. He called the Police and they came by to explain things to the resident who unhappily went back into his house. We finished up around 3:30 just as it began to rain again.

When I paint in public I try to take into consideration the neighborhood and it’s residents. I hope that the work I make fits into the greater scheme of things. Unfortunately you can’t please everyone but several folks who came by were greatful at the end of the day. Although I am honored and thankful to have been apart of the project, my only fear is that this project of several murals going up in Baltimore is the beginning of a move toward gentrification in a neighborhood that simply needs help and not the price of it’s rent and corner stores to rise beyond their financial abilities which in turn would push out it’s already struggling residents.

Above are the pieces that I made for the book launch show. I...

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:19:00 -0400

Baltimore 1934

Pay to Cum

I Do

Extinction

Do They Owe Us a Living?

Beyond da Absent

Overtime

Savage Inequalities

Stay Home

You and Your Whole Race

Above are the pieces that I made for the book launch show. I decided to switch to dark red ink from the black ink I usually print with. On some of the pieces I went back and hand painted some color in. The work itself was done on wood panel, backed by a wooden frame.

Here is some info on the pieces in order of appearance:

Baltimore 1934

(Adapted from photo by Margaret Bourke-White)

This photograph was taken at Bethlehem Steel in Baltimore, MD. My grandfather worked there for over 35 years and supported a family of 5. This piece reminds me of him.

Pay To Cum

I was about 14 when I started listening to Punk music. This piece of HR represents for me an energy of change that continues to carry me through out life that was sparked all those years ago when I first heard Bad Brains.

I Do

(Adapted from photo by Bob Pobjoy)

Extinction

Love your Mother.

Do They Owe Us a Livin’?

(Adapted from photo by Kent Porter)

Another incredible photo that speaks to the heart of a movement that is growing in the streets around the world.

Beyond da Absent

This piece is comprised of several photos that I took and a hand written letter from a friend of mine who is serving a life sentence in Maryland. It’s a commentary on making choices that are based on the hand you have been dealt in life.

Overtime

(Adapted from photo by Craig F. Walker)

When I first saw this photo I knew I wanted to work from it and help preserve it’s longevity. It captures the hard truth of speaking up for the things you believe in.

Savage Inequalities

(Inspired by Jon Kozol)

I took this photo of one of the students in a printmaking class I teach in Canarsie. The title comes from a book about the public education system in America.

Stay Home

I shot this photo through the windshield of my car in Long Island City. The title is the first words that popped in my head when I took the picture. Sometimes the city looks so ugly.

You and Your Whole Race

(Inspired by Langston Hughes)

This another piece based on a photograph of a student that I took. The writing in the background is from a poem about inner city life by Langston Hughes. I made this piece because people find it easy to pass judgement on “underrepresented” adolescents. The fact is these kids are up against a lot and many times take whatever they can get to survive.

The above are photos that my daughter Amara took at the book...

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 12:33:00 -0400

BPL Setting it off.

Laurel on the Indian Veg Buffet.

Kevin securing the future.

Dj Billy Mode on the cut.

Josh and Molly coolin' in the place.

Nonstop sticker action.

Logan's Birthday surprise.

Ray holding it down.

Kesh showing off his skills.

The above are photos that my daughter Amara took at the book launch. Thanks to those who could make it! Extra special thanks to those who helped out!

Photos of the work I made for the show coming soon.

Tonight’s the night. The book release for my book Long...

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 09:00:00 -0400

Tonight’s the night. The book release for my book Long Story Short will take place at the Wooster Social Club located at 43 Wooster St in Soho. Doors open at 8pm and close at 11pm. Above are a small sample of some of the new works and the rubylith films that I cut for the show. Besides new art and the book itself there will be screen printing to participate in, food, music, and a lecture about the history of street art by Josh Macphee of Just Seeds. Hope to see you there but if you can’t make it you can pick up the book here.

Know Hope in the East Village.

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:25:04 -0500

Know Hope in the East Village.

Yesterday afternoon and into the evening I worked on a piece for...

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 12:35:00 -0500

Photo by Stan from GUGA

Yesterday afternoon and into the evening I worked on a piece for the Fountain Art Fair at the Armory coming up in just a few short days. Here is my take on the piece:

This piece is based on a photograph I took of one of the students in my printmaking class in East New York, Brooklyn.
It incorporates several elements of city life including the landscape, the random trees, and an attitude that can sometimes be perceived in a negative way.
In this instance I do not read the figures gesture as offensive but rather a willful message of perseverance from one who has been pitted against one of society’s greatest struggles, poverty. The hand writing that encompasses the left half of the piece is part of a poem composed by Langston Hughes. See below:

You and your whole race.

By Langston Hughes

You and your whole race.

Look down upon the town in which you live

And be ashamed.

Look down upon white folks

And upon yourselves

And be ashamed

That such supine poverty exists there,

That such stupid ignorance breeds children there

Behind such humble shelters of despair—

That you yourselves have not the sense to care

Nor the manhood to stand up and say

I dare you to come one step nearer, evil world,

With your hands of greed seeking to touch my throat, I dare you to come one step nearer me:

When you can say that

you will be free!

In other news I am still planning and getting things in order with the help of friends for the book launch event for Long Story Short. The above flyer has all the pertinent info. Hope you can make it if you are in town.

Coming up on Wednesday evening March 14th at the Wooster St...

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:47:00 -0500

Coming up on Wednesday evening March 14th at the Wooster St Social Club in Manhattan I will be releasing my book Long Story Short put out by DRAGO. Stop by for some food, art, music, printmaking and a slideshow talk by Josh Macphee on the history and importance of putting work in the street. Hope to see you there!

There are many literary artists that I admire that I rarely get...

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 10:03:04 -0500

There are many literary artists that I admire that I rarely get to meet. However, sometime back I was fortunate enough to gain the acquaintance of Rafael Alvarez. A true Baltimore voice. Now you can see where the guys who did the Wire got all their ideas.

Check out his latest work here.

photo by David Crews

You don’t get much cooler than Leon Reid the 4th. Check...

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:00:00 -0500

You don’t get much cooler than Leon Reid the 4th. Check out his new project with Julia Marchesi where they make the public library concept truly public.

Here’s the link:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/193679801/the-hundred-story-house

Here’s the finished To the Hoop piece for PWD and the NBA...

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:44:04 -0500

Here’s the finished To the Hoop piece for PWD and the NBA All Star Game. To be honest I don’t follow basketball much. I do like to watch the street ball games down in the Village though when I’m passing by.

Dear Ruby, I’m not sure how to say this but, we’ve...

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:49:26 -0500

Dear Ruby, I’m not sure how to say this but, we’ve known each other a long time, since the terrible days of high school in fact. I never really told you how I felt about you/us. You were there for me then, waiting down at the end of the cold hallway that lead to the industrial arts wing as I hoped to safely dodge metal heads and football players just to see you. And you are still there for me now, up late working together against all the inside voices that say throw in the towel and all I can say is I love you. I hope you can forgive me for leaving you for that girl Dura-Lar for awhile.

“To The Hoop” new piece for PWD and the NBA.

NuART Documentary

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:06:42 -0500

My friend Ryan just sent me the link for the NuART Doc. It came out very well documenting some incredible work by a variety of artists. Have a look.

Love this photo! Check out the early Futura work on raw cement...

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:55:34 -0500

Love this photo! Check out the early Futura work on raw cement in the background. Nothing beats that look. Picture by Steven Siegel.

The stencil is mightier than the sword. John Fekner celebrates...

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:02:11 -0500

The stencil is mightier than the sword. John Fekner celebrates MLK with a tribute in Atlanta.

Above is a drawing by Jayson Smith, one of the kids in my print...

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:44:00 -0500

Above is a drawing by Jayson Smith, one of the kids in my print making program last year in Brooklyn. I thought it was perfect for today to help remember a man who did so much to change the lives of people all over the world.

Also Gil Scott-Heron just released a post humus book titled The Last Holiday which documents his personal life and the campaign he joined with Stevie Wonder to make today a National Holiday in honor of Dr. King.

Here’s the finished pieces for LA. A few were from...

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 21:50:00 -0500

Here’s the finished pieces for LA. A few were from previous prints on paper but were never done as finished pieces on wood.

The Gil Scott Heron piece was adapted from a photo by Mischa Richter.

The Skinhead Girl piece was adapted from a photograph by Martin Roldan Ruiz. You can see his work here www.generacion-cochebomba.blogspot.com
www.generacioncochebomba.com

New Interview with Vandalog

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:18:09 -0500

New Interview with Vandalog

This is a new piece I finished cutting out of rubylith a few...

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:17:00 -0500

This is a new piece I finished cutting out of rubylith a few days ago. I made it as a homage to Gil Scott-Heron. I’ve always liked his work and have gained a lot of inspiration from it. This piece, when complete, will be shown along with four other pieces and two other artists at The C.A.V.E. Gallery in LA in February.

Happy New Year

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 09:39:49 -0500

Happy New Year