1: How long have you guys been publishing Overspray and what motivated you to start the magazine?

I’ve been working on Overspray since about February/March of 2004 from concept up. It was initially the first international, 100% stencil magazine in the world. There was a huge void with no magazine on the subject and the kids wanted it. We wanted to see specific art in print and have some words reflecting on the culture because there wasn’t anything literary about it at the time. Now, with issue 3 and 4, we’re branching out to cover all street art.

2: Some of the artwork featured in Overspray is really elaborate and complicated, what are people's preconceived notions about stenciling?

You’d be surprised how little people know about what can be done with stencils. People in NYC are still drawing stencils out and cutting out their hand drawn lines because they think there’s no other way. They have no concept of layers, or reverse stencils (i.e. cutting out the light parts and spraying with a lighter color). People hear stencils and think wallpaper, or just don’t know what the fuck to think.

3: With the constant debate over what should be done with public space do you think that street artists are getting more aggressive with their work?

Well, there are those who have become more aggressive about defacing art that has been done on commission for ad agencies. And there are definitely artists who are really strict about people not going over their stuff. Then there are always the artists who enjoy the interaction between their work and the public space and the people that use the public space. I definitely think that people are getting smarter with their technology and modus operandi with the GHOST Squad on the loose and $500 rewards for ratting on graf artists.

4: The label on the can of paint suggests working in a well ventilated area to avoid fume inhalation, but really, are a few huffs here and there all that bad?

Yes. If you can smell it, it’s killing you. The truth is that the fumes kill your brain cells. If you paint inside a couple times with a few fans blowing, you’ll be alright. Don’t make it a habit and invest in a respirator. Besides, you don’t want to paint inside because your place will be caked in a dusty film of spray paint.

5: Your magazine features a lot of politically motivated artwork, from what you've seen, how does the stencil art scene vary from the U.S. to the stuff going on overseas?

Well, to begin with, there’s very little stenciling going on in the U.S. by comparison. The real capital of the stenciling world at this point is Melbourne, Australia. I’ve never been, but apparently it’s just covered from head to toe with stencils. It seems a lot more colorful and elaborate there. What ties these street stencils together though is that people mostly put up one layer stencils on the streets because no one wants to stand around and get caught. In places with no legal walls like New York, that’s almost all you see.

6: What is the single most important tip you could give to someone who is just getting started with stenciling?

Be original. Don’t start stenciling to stencil. Take a photo, or find an old image that means something to just you and stencil that. Don’t use played out images and for god’s sake, don’t stencil Che!

7: Who are some of your favorite artists working now?

In stencils, I’d say Chernobyl, Dust!, Logan Hicks, Peat, Pisa73 and Evol of CT’INK, Slobben (Strok) and a few others. I’m really into other kinds of street art right now, and specific artists. I love Dave Kinsey’s work, Fafi, Futura, a designer called Neuarmy, Doze Green is great, The London Police, New York City’s own ELC and many more.

8: Is it true that Krylon is diluting their paint to make it easier to be buffed? What brand of paint do you guys recommend?

That’s news to me. I can imagine them doing some shit like that though. Above all other brands I recommend Belton Molotow. They have the best colors and the absolute best coverage. Spanish Montana is pretty good too. I hear Sabotaz, a new paint from Greece is kicking ass but I have yet to try it.

9: What can Overspray readers expect to see in future issues?

They can expect a whole lot of wild shit and a new level of professionalism. Really juicy informative articles on people you didn’t know, stepped up design work, tips and tricks from inside the street art world, a lot more photos, many smaller articles and blurbs. More bang for your buck.

We just wrapped a big photo shoot for issue 4 with all stenciled apparel, and the photos are unreal. All our themes for the next 5 issues are really interesting. Overspray will be growing in page count and we’re shooting for full color by issue 5 or 6.

10: In an effort to help Middle America catch up with their stenciling, we're going to be sending a care package over to the designers on TLC's Trading Spaces, would you like to contribute some stencils? I mean, enough with the damn pineapples and chickens already!

Ha! Can I put a stencil of a star fruit in there? How about one of our uncle Pretty Louie trying to tie his shoes? Or one of the Dorito Bandito chowing down?

On The Web | www.overspraymag.com