January 28, 2014.
AK: What do you write? Are you in a crew?
LB: I write STYLE or STYLEONE. Currently I’m in FA(FREE AGENTS), formerly VO5(Very Outstanding 5).
AK: In what city did you start painting in the streets? Do you feel your work has influenced the community in return? If so, how? Is there a relationship between the artist and the community in which they work?
LB: I started painting in Miami, Florida back in 1983. Yes, I’ve had a few artists approach me and thank me for being an influence in there artistic career path. Based on the murals they would see driving around with their parents on the way to school and around town. The relationship between my work and the community I paint in is truly amazing as a child it was not welcomed to some extent, however now after several years and the foresight of several community leaders. My art in Wynwood is responsible for, art tours of the area, people visiting and shopping in the area(economic growth) and yes even authors writing books and film makers work on projects with the walls as back drops. My art and the art of many other artists in the Wynwood areas have created an environment of learning, teaching and inspiring.
AK: Did you go to school or are you self taught?
LB: I had some guidance at an early age by a great artist Mr. Levits de Queros at age 10 and after Mr. Eric Jenkins the art teacher at Miami Jackson Senior High and the graffiti venture I had a few mentors EZEEONE(RIP), SEAM(VO5), JAVSKI(VO5), DOOM(VO5) and SNEEK(VO5).
AK: How did you get started in the arts and why?
LB: Not sure on this one. As far back as I can recall I’ve loved drawing and coloring books, what kid doesn’t?
AK: How long have you been working in the streets?
LB: STYLE est. 1983. Painting walls(tagging) since 1983-84 and murals since 1985.
AK: Who or what inspires you the most?
LB: The need to create, my family, my community and the vast amount of information around us.
AK: What should the general public know about street art? What stereotype about street art/graffiti do you hate the most?
LB: You don’t need an education or a fine art degree to enjoy the art form. Just be you. The stereo types I hate the most I pay no mind to. I’m an artist.
AK: Are you a full time artist? Do you have a day job? Is it best to be a full time artist or not worry about it and make your $$$ elsewhere, that way you can paint what and how you want. which one offers a more creative outlook?
LB: Yes, I’m a full time artist at the moment, no day job to fall back on. I have total confidence in my work to provide for my family.
AK: What are you working on now?
LB: Several projects, I’m always creating work for the gallery. At the moment I’m working on a painting for ACME DISNEY in Burbank, California, I even contribute to Free Art Friday which is another example of my art giving back to the community along with charity events through out the year.
AK: What do you hope to achieve or accomplish by putting your work in the street?
LB: Since day one the recognition from my peers, recognition from my community and a feeling on self accomplishment that my work will continue to inspire great things to come from those that pause to appreciate the work.
Thanks, check out more of STYLE'S work http://luisberros.com/