However you feel about graffiti, it’s hard to deny the democratic nature of the art form. As the GRL point out, it is capable of giving a voice to everyday citizens. I truly believe that my own form of street art, guerrilla gardening, takes this democracy to a whole new level. William Morris once said, “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” The guerrilla gardener takes this notion to the streets. Not only do we create beauty where there was none, but we also provide food, and not just for humans. Here is an art form which actually transcends species. It is useful too in that it screams, “You too can do this. You too can grow your own food.” And why stop at food? As my good friend Fenrir always says, “Gardening is a gateway drug. Once you realise you can grow your own food, it’s a small step to building your own shelter, making your own energy and even creating your own society.” And why not? Why shouldn’t we take our art to the streets and paint our dreams and desires for all to enjoy? If our actions become a seed which
inspires others to transform the streets of their towns and cities, what’s the worse that can happen? We get more colourful towns? Whatever your passion, whatever your talent, whatever your age - take to the streets and give somebody’s day a lift with an unexpected gift. Paint (knit, stitch, dance, plant or sing) your town red (black, white, sunflower yellow or compost brown) and bring a little magic into the lives of complete strangers who will never know you to thank you. Not that you should care, because it truly is better to give than receive. If you’re unsure about that, just remember that nice guys may well finish last, but their journey is definitely more memorable. End
Photography: (above) Joanbanjo; (p7 clockwise from top) Earl McGehee, Shyguy24x7, Umberto Brayj, Pinkyjosef, Peter Tullett, Pixeltoo. Photography on pages 6& 7 licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0. 3.0 or 4.0 Unported International License.
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