EGR - Graffiti Artist Interview

December 2009

EGR, the Canadian born aerosol artist, took time out of her stacked schedule to answer some questions and share some jewels with Canned Goods. In this exclusive interview, Erica opened up and gave her insight on the importance of owning one's image, working with other well-known artists, Canada's graffiti scene, the importance of helping others and being conscious of the world around her.

Interview by Matthew J for Canned Goods.

"In the arena of human life the honours and rewards fall to those who show their good qualities in action." - Aristotle.

Some of you UK heads may remember seeing Erica Gosich Rose (the artist known as EGR) from issue #36 of Graphotism Magazine in 2004, when she graced the cover of Britain's "graffiti bible". If not, SHAME ON YOU, because you're sleeping one of the most talented artists in Canada's culture… no hyperbole.

Okay, UK, you better recognize true talent when you see it. The proof is in her many works, the definition of "good quality in actions".

First question has to deal with the "lack of love" Canadian artists seem to get at home. Have you ever thought about moving to another country/city where it is easier to gain notoriety as an artist?

I have thought about moving to NY, or overseas, but never for the reason of having an easier go at gaining notoriety. Should I consider moving abroad??

[NOTE From Matthew: Let me be the first to sign the "Keep Erica in Canada" petition. For real, we don't need to lose yet another person to foreign lands. We're on the cusp of an artistic turnaround in Canada. Trust me… You'll get more opportunities.]

Unfortunately, as far as the "mainstream" world of art is concerned, graffiti and graffiti writers, for the most part, are looked upon as "flavour of the months"; something HOT today, something forgotten tomorrow. What, if anything, is your plan to avoid becoming one of those [paraphrasing Masta Ace] "disposable artists"? (NOTE: I'm not saying you should necessarily aim for mainstream appeal, I'm just curious to know your thoughts on situation because few graffiti writers go beyond the secretive-world of graffiti.)

I never thought I would be a graffiti artist that people would recognize on the street or the covers of magazines, or any of that. I actually got my start doing illustrations for the Globe and Mail and Toronto Star newspapers section covers shortly after leaving college, and I was using my real name at that. My graffiti was something secret and underground, but once I moved to Toronto from Burlington, things started to blow up for me. I painted at an event called Take Back The Decks and was interviewed by Much Music (Canadian version of MTV) under my alias "EGR" and I started to get calls from people looking to hire graffiti artists for live art and murals. Each decision I have made has been a stepping stone or learning experience.

Fast forward to today and if I'm considered "flavour-of-the-month"? I don't mind. I do what I gotta do to take care of business because I know I'm in it for the long haul, and that's all what matters to me. I can't be concerned with what other people think is selling out and it has been that way for years. As long as I'm making art, as long as I'm working with people and companies that I can respect then it's all gravy baby.

Just because someone gives you permission to paint their wall, they can sometimes feel entitled to direct the art.

EGR

Compare and contrast doing legal pieces and "illegal" pieces. Do you have a preference?

At this stage in the game I can honestly say I prefer legals. Illegals have a different feel because the process of creating them is usually filled with adrenaline rushes and speed, on top of assessing the location in advance and planning your cans down to the bare minimum of colors. The contrast is this, legals can be painted in daylight, with large groups of painters and crates and crates of every color of paint… you can take your time and smell the roses.

Drawbacks of legal walls or permission walls tend to involve other opinions if it can't be avoided. I have had some really negative experiences in this way. Just because someone gives you permission to paint their wall, they can sometimes feel entitled to direct the art. I don't mind working with people on murals but if I am looking to paint a wall with my own design and I ask permission to paint it, I hope I don't get told what to paint as then I would expect a commission. But illegal walls have their drawbacks too, jail being one of them.

Do you feel legal pieces hinder your creativity in anyway?

If the legal wall is to advertise a product, I may feel stunted, as it has happened before. I had one experience where I had agreed to paint "whatever I wanted" but it had to include a product rendering for an item I was actually interested in and I had agreed to do it. Maybe it was the buzz of all the cameras which I had given permission to shoot me, the fact that the sun was in my eyes and I was sweating bullets behind my respirator, or the fact that we had a time line but I was certainly creatively stifled at that moment, yes. I mentioned it and took a break and although my piece wasn't turning out the way I wanted, I persevered. I do consider it work under those conditions, and although painting is my livelihood I would never agree to anything I wasn't feeling. Changing your mind half way through is something else when you want to remain businesslike. Its hard to be creative and professional simultaneously and all the time!!!

Many people have considered you a trailblazer as far as graffiti is concerned in Canada and also abroad. What is your feeling about this honour? Is it something you embrace or is a burden?

How many examples do we really have for women as entrepreneurs in creative fields such as graffiti art? I embrace the idea that I may be an inspiration to other girls, or to open the eyes of those who thought otherwise. I am certainly not the best at what I do, but I try as hard as I can with my art, and to put it out there in a way that I am comfortable with and can stand behind.

How competitive DO YOU feel the graffiti scene is in Canada? What are your thoughts on the whole scene?

I don't consider the graffiti scene as competitive, I see it more as a culture and group of people who share interests. The graffiti scene in Canada is great and a lot of writers travel from Vancouver to Montreal and Toronto… the places I consider to host the most graff walls and hits. Writers tend to want to meet other writers and get down and paint together, I guess I see it as an art form that brings people together.

Never write over anyone who is your elder or has been in the game longer than you…

EGR

What is your philosophy on graffiti and how does it relate to your personal philosophy on life?

My graffiti philosophy is something I consider to be the 'unwritten rule book' of graffiti:

• Learn, study and master your black book drawings before taking it to the streets
• Never write over anyone who is your elder or has been in the game longer than you
• Never write over anyone who you can't burn
• If you have to piece over someone who you respect, give them a peaceful shout out
• Respect your crew and where you came from.

This relates to my personal philosophy because it is generally the same. Respect your elders, where you came from, your peers. Study and master your skills. Be humble.

Apart from all your work within the art world, you've done some work for charities. As a result, I'm sure you get much praise from the people around you. I'm interested in learning how you have been able to remain humble despite all the praise and attention going your way? It's easy to believe the hype… how do you stay above that?

It's true, there is a lot of praise around the work that I do, in general conversations and in meeting people there is often a reaction of delight when someone hears I am an artist, and especially when the work is going to a good cause. As with our show at The Royal Ontario Museum, called "Housepaint - Phase II: Shelter", the art was auctioned off to benefit Habitat For Humanity helping to raise awareness about poverty and homelessness in Toronto. With charity auctions, people often have an opportunity to purchase works at reduced rates. Keeping focused on the goals of the groups involved is what keeps me humble.

Having my work coincide with a charity or to raise awareness about the less fortunate is a great concern. I am glad to have a chance to possibly raise monies towards helping people. Recently I donated a Michael Jackson piece to RISE auction for Youthlink, which gives kids art supplies and opportunitie for after school activities. I often think about if my own family were in such a position. If someone asked you for help, you probably would too.

How does Erica differ from EGR? Are you they separate personalities or are they very much the same?

If someone calls me EGR, I know who they're referring to the artist. If someone pronounces it like "Eee Gee Arr", they don't know me from way back, or they don't know me that well. 'Eager' is my old skool handle and if you call me that - I know you know who I am. At the wall you don't call each other by your real name. If you call me Erica we are probably better acquainted, I don't refer to myself as EGR so if you were my friend you'd call me that if we were painting together or having drinks.

Any words of advice to other female artists out there?

Keep going… whether male or female it can sometimes be hard to put yourself out there, but it does seem even harder to be taken seriously as a female. Just know that things are changing and by your contribution to the art form you are helping to pave the way to make it easier for the next group of young girls, that maybe it won't be so tough on them. I can't say don't fly by your femininity because if that's what makes you feel powerful, more power to you. Make sure you learn who your real friends are, and learn to trust those who have your back. Learn, but keep on going.

You recently auctioned off some canvases to help out with Habitat For Humanity, how did this union come about? There aren't too many artists who give to charity, what motivated you to donate?

The cause for this exhibition was based on the former Tent City and topic of homelessness in Toronto. We painted canvas houses at the former Tent City site, where the homeless people and families had built makeshift shelters, though they were evicted several years ago. This exhibition documented both the struggles and successes of these individuals. After a brutally long winter and ongoing exhibition at the Royal Ontario Museum to bring awareness, for me it was a no-brainer when we were asked to donate the proceeds of our canvasses to Habitat For Humanity. I think we all felt it was the least we could do to help. Again, check out http://www.housepaint.ca.

Having solidarity with other female artists is very important to me, because 9 times out of ten we are trying to achieve the same goal in our work and with statements in regards to our work, so its all good and powerful to stick together.

EGR

You have worked with many BIG NAMES in graffiti culture, such as Indie184, Hera and Anarkia. What does it mean for you to work with them? And, how important is it to have solidarity with other female artists?

Just to clarify, Indie184 curated an all-girl art show called "Queenz Arrive In Brooklyn" and she invited me to show some works this spring. I painted alongside Anarkia from Brasil last year at Manifesto event at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto.

Having solidarity with other female artists is very important to me, because 9 times out of ten we are trying to achieve the same goal in our work and with statements in regards to our work, so its all good and powerful to stick together. There is power in numbers, and I don't know too many women who do what I do and it feels good to have a kinship with other ladies. It is even more powerful with females because we are such a minority in the game. I have a lot of respect for women who step out on their own and continue to put themselves out there. Its a tough world. In some cases it still is very much a man's world, and that's got to change at some point.

Continuing with the above question: How solid is graffiti's female community here in Canada?

I think there is a solid female graffiti artist presence here in Canada, although I feel embraced by the female hip-hop community for support and appreciation. For example, when the Graffiti Women (Thames & Hudson) book came out, there were book launches in all corners of the world, and one close by in NY too. I wasn't able to attend, but I wish I had. I admire the community of women that bind themselves together in NYC. Artists like LadyK Fever, Pink, TooFly, Muck, QA, Indie184, to name just a few, are all girls I would love to paint with and I admire them for their work, skills and dedication to their craft as well as to one another.

What would you say is your biggest issue/problem with the way women are represented in the culture of graffiti? Despite all the interviews [this included], books, websites like www.graffgirlz.com and videos featuring artists such as yourself, Lady Pink, Claw Money, and Anarkia, it still seems that not enough recognition is given to women for their contribution in the art. Do you agree? And if so, what do you think needs to be done to fix that?

I'm not a feminist, but I am all for equal rights. Some girls think that to be a part of all-female events won't help our case or make us equal because it sets us apart once again. I think we may have to just keep pushing to go above and beyond in order to be respected as equal. I'm up for it. In time things will change.

How important is for you to have ownership of your image? I ask that because I know it's difficult for any female to get proper-respect in any male-dominated culture, especially graffiti. In a world, today, where the objectification of women seems to be the status quo, how important is it for you to have ownership over the way you're presented?

It is absolutely imperative that I have 100% ownership and control over what I do and how my work and my image is presented. I only do what I am comfortable with. If I'm struggling, I'll take time and figure out a solution. The reason I am my own rep and agent is an indication of how strong I feel about this. I'm Canadian, I'm a woman, I'm smart and I am responsible for my own self. These are the things I try to portray the most in my image and through my work.

Due to your success and quality of work, you are in a powerful position to both influence people; especially other females. As a result, I am sure there are times when you find yourself under much pressure to be a "spokeswoman" for your entire gender. Whether it is just or unjust, you have the duty/burden of being a kind of standard bearer. Is that a fair assessment? And what are your feelings on this situation? I ask because in all fairness, no one individual should be expected to represent an entire group, YET there must be a level of consciousness that reminds to make sure you portray womanhood correctly. It's almost like a double-edged sword… a blessing and curse. How do you balance this responsibility?

Its not only that I might be expected to represent women, but I'm also expected to portray the female graffiti artist, or the Canadian graffiti artist, or even just a graffiti artist in general which probably gets under my skin the most. I realize that I may appear to be an anomaly or contradiction in many ways, because of what I do or how I go about my business and I am no stranger to being judged by others.

There maybe only a handful of other women on the planet that have similar ways of life and careers as myself, and we obviously don't fit in a box. I have been told I was representing hip-hop culture, graffiti culture, womanhood, etc. so all I can do is be truthful and honest about my own perspective and be conscious that little ones might be listening and learning. I want to give hope, because my mother gave me a lot of encouragement with my art and that meant so much to me.

I am so lucky to be Canadian and have so many rights as a woman, and for some to consider me a spokeswoman, I kind of treasure that thought. I am really shy at times but I'll say "Yes" to interviews to share my thoughts if it might inspire one girl. I make it my duty, even though it is hard at times to do interviews, especially as an artist. We express our selves in other ways, through our art. It can be hard for me to put myself in the shoes of the mainstream public; but I do consider my position in the world and my ability to reach people, educate or inspire based on my experience and point of view. I am not 'right' in any way, I am trying to answer these questions the best way I can. I'm different from the next girl, she may view the world entirely different. Opinions are like a$$holes, we all have them.

For further information about EGR please visit:

EGR Profile

EGR Website

EGR MySpace Page

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