March 19, 2024 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

VIDEO: Venice Graffiti Artist Paints New Life After Time In Jail

Graffiti artist Narrator was recently hired to paint a mural at Great Western Steak and Hoagie Company (pictured above) at 1720 Lincoln Blvd., Venice. The mural is not his first nor will it be his last, but it wasn’t always the case that his art has been a welcome commission in the City of Los Angeles.

In 2009 while studying fine arts at Santa Monica College, Narrator was offered a place in a mentorship program and was planning to transfer to another college. However, an early morning painting session on a wall of the 405 Freeway changed all that.

“It was 3 am and me and one of my crew were just finishing up covering a 20 foot wall on the 405,” he said. “We had done this huge block letter piece. Next thing, we saw lights flashing. We knew it was the cops so we took off up the embankment. Then the helicopter was coming down on us.”

By the time Narrator and his accomplice had made it back to their car the police had them surrounded.

“There was about six to eight squad cars, maybe 30 cops, and they had Tasers pointed at us so we kind of had to surrender,” he said. “I missed my first art show because I was in jail.”

After jail, with a felony against his name, Narrator could no longer qualify for financial aid and could not afford to continue college.

He also had debts to pay.

“I copped a hefty fine and was locked up in the same cell as murderers,” he said. “It changed my perspective. I decided it was better to get paid instead of having to pay to do what I wanted to do because I was doing it illegally.”

This is when he began holding his own art shows and doing art direction for music videos – this led to private commissions for murals.

His murals are now all around Los Angeles, at 5418 West Adams Blvd. across from Delicious Pizza, in downtown Los Angeles at a recycling center, and at recording studios in Marina del Rey and Miracle Mile.

As tough as it was doing time for his art, jail was not the worst graffiti connected incident for Narrator.

“You’re drawing on walls and you’re in these neighborhoods and they’re supposedly some gang’s territory and if these gangs see your stuff up, sometimes they’ll hunt for you,” he said. “For instance they saw one of my homies and then randomly at a party they shot him for graffiti, he claimed his crew and his name, and they just shot him point blank.”

Narrator feels graffiti artists today are akin to rappers, and the poets that came before them.

“In the beginning people don’t really like it because they don’t understand it, then in the end everybody loves it,” he said.

The artist said his works have evolved into something more positive over the years.

“Now I get a thrill and a rush when I’m doing a huge wall for the community; it’s a bigger thing,” he said. “It’s not just about me, it’s for everyone else now.”

Related Posts

California: Pioneering the Future of Online and Digital Payments

January 11, 2024

January 11, 2024

In the fast-paced digital economy of the 21st century, California has emerged as a powerhouse in the realm of online...

A Guide to the Current Gambling Situation in Canada

January 1, 2024

January 1, 2024

For centuries, gambling has woven itself into the fabric of human culture; in recent years–marking an era where evolution pervades...

Smart Strategies to Save Money in Your Entertainment Budget

December 30, 2023

December 30, 2023

Many individuals and families in today’s fast-paced world share a common goal: finding ways to save money. The entertainment budget...

California’s top sports teams.

December 1, 2023

December 1, 2023

California is known worldwide for a multitude of exciting things. They’re known for their incredible beaches, glorious sunshine, and fabulous...

Your Lucky Numbers: Six Tips Towards Lottery Success

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Have you ever wondered how people win money from the lottery? They may not always hit the jackpot, but they...

Five different ways to unwind.

October 1, 2023

October 1, 2023

Modern life is always busy and it can feel like your to-do list is never ending. When you’re not working,...

Over Half of Short-Term Rentals Advertised in LA Don’t Comply With City’s Home Sharing Ordinance

April 4, 2023

April 4, 2023

Better Neighbors LA report highlights the inadequacies of enforcement measures for short-term rentals in Los Angeles, calling for increased regulation...

Venice Beach Attempted Murder Suspect Arrested in West Virginia

December 22, 2022

December 22, 2022

Brandon Manyo Dixon arrest in West Virginia By Sam Catanzaro A man has been arrested for the attempted murder of...

The Current Gambling Situation in California

December 1, 2022

December 1, 2022

Here’s what to know about everything from online casinos to betting in the state. In the U.S., gambling is a...

Cancer Cartel Provides Financial Help To Cancer Patients

November 16, 2022

November 16, 2022 1

Cancer Cartel is helping cancer patients focus on their treatment, not the financial stress of living with a diagnosis. Learn...

100 Miles of Bus-Only Lanes Within Five Years on City Council Plans

October 17, 2022

October 17, 2022

L.A’s public transportation network is known for being slow due to traffic congestion. A new motion by L.A. City Council...

What Is the Most Effective Way to Sell a Used Car?

October 6, 2022

October 6, 2022

It’s no secret that selling a used car can be difficult. You have to find the right buyer, negotiate a...

How Do I Know What Types of Commercial Trucking Insurance Coverage I Need?

October 1, 2022

October 1, 2022

Running a small trucking company is expensive. You must comply with many rules set forth by the Federal Motor Carriers...

Best Ways To Show Your LA Baseball Love

August 10, 2022

August 10, 2022

Los Angeles is a sports lover’s paradise. In every sport except for the NHL, locals have two teams to choose...

Inspiring Others Through Body Positivity

May 13, 2022

May 13, 2022

Navy Officer Janae Carey Teams-Up with 2022 Herbalife24 Triathlon Los Angeles . Video brought to you by Pudu Pudu.