PHOTO COURTESY OF KELO NEWS

So I guess some bonehead is spray-painting the cheeseburger slinger on the sides of buildings. Don’t get ME wrong, I enjoy guerilla art, as long as it is done w/o vandalizing property (I had one of my paintings vandalized a few years back). There is many forms; decorating sculptures and photographing them, building removable sculptures and placing them in public parks, etc. But actually spray painting property that’s not yours, dumb. Especially if it the art isn’t compelling, that just makes it vandalism, not an art crime.

Normally I wouldn’t write about this crap because I’m not a little punk rock kid anymore, but since two local news sources have called me, almost interrogating me about the artwork, I had to speak out. I want to clarify something; I’m a 34 year old political artist that likes to take credit for my work, if I tagged a building, my signature would have been on it.

Secondly, I’m not blaming the city for these incidents, BUT if there was more public space for local artists to do this kind of work (like there is in bigger cities) you would see a lot less of this – illegally. But as we all know, SF Art Police must control all images in our city. It’s sad really.

Who do I think did it? Not sure. Maybe I will hang out at Black Sheep coffee on the deck and listen in on punk rock kids conversations – yeah right. I’m not a vandal, but I’m not a narc either.

This morning on my way to work I stopped by Michelle’s coffee for a cup of Joe. Michelle was talking to me about my exhibit and a piece that someone wanted to purchase. A lady at the counter realized I was the artist, so instead of saying somthing to me, she chastized Michelle for the show. She said something like “I know it’s art, but . .. ” But what? You are Un-American? You don’t beleive in the First Amendment? Really, tell us how you feel. Then she went on to complain about my painting ‘American History 101’ She said as a Christian she was offended. I would be too, offended that American Christianity is a joke. One of the reasons I left the faith, is because they refuse to follow the teachings of their savior, Jesus Christ.

I guess the truth hurts.

I stayed out of the conversation, I figured if Michelle wanted me to comment, she would have said something, besides, I’m a bearcat in the morning.

Michelle lost a customer today, I guess the hazelnut syrup bottle will get dusty now.

On some rare occasions, we get a few good shows in Sux Falls:

Friday, June 1st, Nutty’s North: Propaghandi

Tuesday, July 3rd, Ramkota: Social Distortion

Friday-Saturday, July 20-21, JazzFest: Robert Cray & Derek Trucks

Thursday, August 9, Nutty’s North: Reverend Horton Heat

These were the Mayor’s awards for the arts. David seems to be missing something. How fitting.

Let me know, and you will get an ARTISTIC prize.