Jesus Saves - Graffiti Artist Interview

August 2009

In the following interview, taken weeks before a trip to Spain, Ruben and I discuss his faith in God, devotion to graffiti, starting his own clothing line, whether or not any European cities will take over New York's spot as "graffiti capital" and his relationship within the Addicted To Christ graffiti crew.

Interview by Matthew J for Canned Goods.

Jesus Saves at the The Five Pointz, Queens, New York

You're a student of graffiti scene in NY, how knowledgeable are you of the UK scene?

I don't know the routine and the laws out there like that. All I know is that the UK has some of the best graffiti artists in the culture today. Graffiti is like music, you can tell the difference between a song that's coming from the UK and one from New York. Likewise, their graffiti has many talented artists and unique influence on the art worldwide.

All I know is that the UK has some of the best graffiti artists in the culture today.
Jesus Saves

What are thoughts on the graffiti scene in the UK? Do you have any plans to "get up" over there, anytime soon?

Yes, I do and I know I will. I made a connection with a church out there and also some writers through MySpace and Flikr. I got a piece planned out already for when I'm there.

I would love to do a couple pieces as long as they're legit and I get permission.

My first "Jesus Saves" piece planned will show my love and dedication to the UK for the fact the language I speak and write came from their land. Their style shows how much fun it is to paint and how beautiful the overall scene is. I have so much love for their graffiti and Hip Hop scene; both are tremendous.

How would you compare the American scene vs. the UK graffiti scene? How do they differ?

Just by looking at the pieces I can see the differences. You know, it's like Transformers was one TV show and the Flintstones were another [TV show] with distinct styles. You can see differences from the artist designs. I can't compare which graffiti scene. Some parts of NY and the UK have a familiar vibe when comes to fashion, clothing design, and music. I find it interesting that the graffiti lifestyle has been able to unite so many different people. Graffiti artists are worldwide and [we] have the biggest population in the world today.

You've had the pleasure to do some work in Europe, where exactly have you worked and which places inspired you the most?

I've done work in both Germany and Spain. Barcelona, Spain inspired me the most because is the country and father to my language and the root of where my nationality comes from, as a Dominican. It was a blessing to step foot there and actually meet writers and just start piecing. The Montana shop was also a real cool place to visit; I had some pictures taken there.

During your trips to Europe who are some of the artists you have worked with?

I have worked with Rony and Wars from Germany and also Hero and Blobs from Spain.

In the 1970's, New York gave birth to hip-hop and that phenomenon spread all over the World, so much so that it can no longer be labelled an "exclusively" New York art form. Today, many people feel New York has strayed from the original creative essence of Hip hop and it is the Europeans who now represent Hip Hop in its fundamental form. Similarly, with graffiti - although, Philadelphia is considered the American birthplace - NY is often credited as being graffiti's capital city. Now, many European cities such as London, Berlin, Prague, Moscow, Lisbon, and Madrid appear to be taking over as new "graffiti capitals". Do you see New York losing its status as the graffiti capital? Are these European cities really taking over? And what do you think needs to be done to keep the culture (in NY) from falling off the way hip-hop has dropped?

Well one thing about the European scene is that the law are not as strict concerning graffiti. In many parts of Europe you can get away with a lot of tags and pieces. In New York it is harder to do, so it has nothing to do with the artists but rather the place they live. The law of New York is getting really strict and people are going to jail for almost anything.

We don't have enough freedom to even put up a sticker or write with chalk. As for Europe the writers take their time to piece and can do it on streets with no problem because in many parts it is legal and police won't harass you. There are also parts [of Europe] where the law is just as strict as New York. Graffiti in New York is pure; it's solid and it's amazing. We are culturally diverse and our art reflects that. There is no way graffiti will fall off in New York. Europe and New York combine into one agreement with a little bit of everything that we all can learn from as graffiti artists.

As for hip-hop: Yes, has become very big at and is spreading across The UK and the rest of Europe. Most New Yorkers know what true hip-hop is and know who is good or bad. Hip-hop may not be as pure or as good as before, but there are a few New Yorkers who keep the old school essence of hip-hop and graffiti. Of course, there's a difference from European graffiti and New York graffiti just like the difference between the styles [of Graffiti] in New York and California. No matter what New York will always be a part of this lifestyle.

"Jesus Saves the UK" - graffiti blackbook sketch

"Jesus Saves NYC"

Who are some of your favourite graffiti artists?

Ja
UFO
Tracy168
VFR
Yes2
Miss17
Claw
Lady Pink
Fly
Pez
The London Police
Daim
Loomit
Miss Van
Meres
Zimad
Fafi
Cope 2
Indie184
Shepard Fairey (Obey)
Revz
Taki 183

Apart from tagging and canvases work, you have been busy with your own line of "Jesus Saves" t-shirts. Tell me a bit about this venture: How did that whole t-shirt concept come about, what inspired you to create the shirts and where can people contact you to buy those shirts?

I met an old school writer SST, in the church I was attending who has been involved with graffiti since the early 70's. He would paint on trains and tag "SST" everywhere. Now for over 20 years he has become a professional graphic designer and has worked for many people / groups, including the clothing company, PNB Nation. Through him the Jesus Saves logo came about; he snapped a shot from a tag I did a while ago and it was a wrap. He made the silk screen it packed it up in a paper roll that says "Jesus Saves". He also designed a nice [Jesus Saves] ticket tag design in a way that is attracting people's attention in the United States and overseas. Here is a site that I'm still working on. People can leave comments or a message about the t-shirts at Jesus Saves t-shirts blog and Jesus Saves on mySpace

There are lot of naysayers in the world, today… in fact, it's easier to disbelieve than to put faith into something - in this case, we're focusing on God. What do you want to say to those doubtful individuals who claim "Jesus Saves" is a gimmick rather than a sincere movement?

It depends, if they say Jesus Saves as if they were talking directly to me as a person like "ha ha ha, that dude Jesus Saves is a bird", then I wouldn't care and it wouldn't bother me because people say things about me that are not true and I don't mind because God knows the truth.

Now, if this is a gimmick to some people that's where they are wrong because the [Jesus Saves] message speaks the truth for itself. People can take it however they want to take it. I know Jesus Saves as a statement alone is very powerful and it will continue to preach to people even if I stop writing.

I am no different from any other graffiti writers, in the eyes of a cop we are all guilty.
Jesus Saves

Graffiti has many different meanings to many people. For some it is plain expression, for others it is vandalism, and many see it as a platform for social commentary. With all of that being state I wanted to know, where exactly does Jesus Saves fit into the meaning of graffiti? What is the message?

Well graffiti is all about self expression and to write whatever you feel and whatever you go by and believe in. This is not political either but to spread the word at the same time as a hard core graffiti writer. I see myself fitting in with other graffiti writers and I compare myself to them when it comes to painting, getting up and doing pieces. I am no different from any other graffiti writers, in the eyes of a cop we are all guilty. To some I'm considered a vandal and an annoyance, to some I'm a crazy man and to others I'm a hypocrite and a crack head. Jesus Saves can fit into graffiti as long as it is being spread and people can see the tags everywhere Jesus Saves. I'm not pressuring anybody to come to Jesus. They come on their own in God's time when He touches their hearts. As for me I just send the message out there and still am considered as a true dedicated graffiti artist and writer from the heart!

Jesus Saves the PC

"Jesus Saves John & Yoko"

I don't consider myself religious, I consider myself as a servant of the living God.
Jesus Saves

Now days with the lines between religion, spirituality, and God have become so blurred. People confuse religion with God, when in fact the two are opposites. How do you decipher the differences between being religious and having an actual relationship with God

It's not hard to decipher religion is a name. God is reality and He does exist. If I have a religion and I have no communication with God then I'm just religious by name. Religion is just to define your denomination, it has nothing to do with who's going to Heaven or Hell. As long as Jesus Christ -the bridge to the father- is involved then that should matter more than a particular religion. I don't consider myself religious, I consider myself as a servant of the living God.

Apart from religion or spirituality, what story does the name Jesus Saves tell?

hope
salvation
freedom
reality
the truth
happiness
joy
forgiveness
life

The last time we talked you were down with the crew ATC (Addicted To Christ); however, things have switched up a little bit. What can you tell us about the current situation?

My ex-girlfriend, from Germany, is the ATC President and because our relationship ended, some things changed and we kind of started arguing, which is normal in any relationships. She was saying things about me that was wrong; like I was a hypocrite and drug addict. Things broke down to the point where don't have any more contact.

Since she's the President of ATC I decided to delete myself from the ATC profile on MySpace, she then posted a message saying ATC had removed Jesus Saves from the crew in 2008, but this all took place recently… in 2009. January 2009 I did some pieces in Puerto Rico, during New Years, and she said "Thank you for repping the crew" but somehow I was kicked out in 2008? It's kind of sad the way things turned out, but I don't hate her nor hold any grudge against her for it. I messed up by not admitting I used drugs, that one time on my birthday. But it was just that one time.

I'm not going to hide my mistakes and errors. I admit, I did fall but I didn't stay down. I got back on my feet and right with God; it doesn't make me a drug addict continuously. I hope she's not mad at me still because it bothers me to know she might be holding a grudge against me. I'm not making excuses but I'm human and we all make mistakes. That incident is over and my past is gone and forgiven. According to my faith, I am a new man through Jesus; and much better than ever before. This whole situation has made me stronger!

Is there any chance of your reconciling with the crew?

Well, I don't know. In my heart I got nothing against them and I love them all, but I have had no contact with the crew whatsoever. A lot of things were said about me which were NOT true; people were speaking as if I were a Judas.

I still will rep ATC because we all benefit from the [Jesus Saves] message. I'm not gonna let them kick me out because of some petty beef. Supposedly, I was kicked out but their President didn't tell me about it. This all went down behind my back.

Now I represent my personal addiction to Jesus rather than representing the group. They can take me out of the crew, but nobody can't take that Jesus-addiction away from me.