City Cleaning: Interview with Street Artist Smog City

Apr 17, 2010 | Comments 7

Street Art by Smog City

Los Angeles – A city weened on the on a steady diet of ego, urgency and toxic emissions. A town where quick is too slow and tomorrows are left on the lap of an uncertain future. Convenience today at any cost.

We all have our part and we all participate in our own way, some willing, some with guilt and others with completely unawareness. But unlike the temporal nature of our lusty satisfactions a long term price is paid…and it comes in the form of poison. Not only the metaphorical poison to our relationships and our community, but the literal poison from the byproduct that is created as a result of our way of life. We all sit like frogs in boiling water inhaling our death..but not if one artist can help it.

Smog City is Born.

Smog City is the project of a prolific street artist who has taken it upon himself to use his talents to act as a reminder of our chosen toxic lifestyles. Through his powerful and haunting imagery including a skulls, gas mask and decaying Hollywood stars his work is a reminder of what we try so hard to forget: That living the way we do is not sustainable. Smog City is a mascot for toxic living in Los Angeles. The reflection of the nation’s worst air quality, heaviest traffic, and fast paced lifestyles.

When did you first get you into street art? What attracted you to this form of expression?

I first started to recognize street art once i moved to LA, most noticeably Robbie Conals poster art campaign, and what Shepard Fairey was doing with OBEY at the time. I love that its something you can completely ignore; but after you see it once, you start to notice it everywhere. You just need that initial enlightenment or wonder to catch on.

Street Art by Smog City

Could you tell our audience a little about the Smog City Project, it’s mission and how and where it originated?

Basically its an attempt to put a toxic label on the city; much like any poison sticker calls attention to the danger of the contents its attached to. Smog pollution is a nasty problem that causes major health issues in people, and I think its needs some serious attention. People know its bad, but its always pushed to the back of our day to day lives. I’m just doing my best to keep reminding people this problem needs everyone’s help to fix or it won’t go away. Smog City started in West LA in 2004, I was researching air pollution in college for a project. I had a drawing in a sketchbook that was drawn even prior to this class, that eventually became the official logo. It all seemed to come together rather quickly at this point, and I took it to the streets with some of my best friends.

How do you choose the location of your placements?

Run down establishments,slums, and city elements really help complete the motif that I’m going for to push a point. Sometimes places are chosen just based on traffic density and congestion.

What do you find most challenging about being a street artist?

Walking the line between considered “vandalism”, and making a valid statement. This project is easily dismissed as less because of the medium, and its tendency to look morbid. I want everyone to recognize the message, but at the same time I don’t wanna turn it into a bland public service announcement either.

Street Art by Smog City

How do you want to see your work evolve in the future?

What I really would like to see Smog City do is move into other high pollution cities across the country and even the world. It’s not just an LA thing, I have lots of help getting the message out, but I really wanna take it further.

Are there other artist work you find inspiring?

In the game of street art, I am influenced by everyone. Whether I love it or hate it, I am motivated and inspired to create something that is better or equally revered. I’m also someone who really trips out when I see art that is in an impossible spot, people take incredible risks and I love it.

How has the public in general responded to your work?

Like I said, good and bad. I’m either a vandal or a genius depending who you talk to.

You chose “Live Wire”, by Motley Crue on your myspace page, is there meaning behind this?

Crucial Los Angeles band, who pushed the boundaries of entertainment and life. I think Smog City has similar interests.