"Out With the Old, In With the New: The Art of Reworking and Releasing"

HAVE YOU EVER PAINTED OVER A PIECE OF ARTWORK?

I’ve done it many times, and as I continue on my art journey, I find myself reflecting on why this practice seems strange to others but has been beneficial to me. Here are two major reasons why I continue to paint over certain works, and the value each brings to the table:

Embracing Impermanence and Presence

Growing up in the graffiti world, we quickly learn that our work won’t last forever. When I started painting railcars, I found that I only had a brief window of time to spend with my piece before it moved out into the wild. This impermanence forced me to be present with those moments. By accepting the temporary nature of our creations, we learn to focus on the experience rather than the outcome. This mindset has taught me to value the process over permanence.

Art’s Evolution and Legacy

As I’ve expanded my knowledge of the art world and history, I've begun to consider the long-term legacy of my work. While some pieces may feel finished, others evolve over time, just like the artist. The idea of legacy has made me realize that sometimes, painting over my own work is a form of growth, allowing space for new ideas and techniques to emerge. It’s not about abandoning the past, but rather honoring it and evolving forward from it. One of the most powerful traits an artist can develop is confidence in letting go and accepting what is.

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CAN YOU THINK OF A TIME WHEN RELEASING A PROJECT THAT WASN'T "PERFECT" LED TO UNEXPECTED SUCCESS OR GROWTH?

In 2010, at the height of an experimental phase of graffiti piecing, I had an experience that forever burned one of life’s lessons into my mind.

Four of us from the crew had themed out a wall to paint one Sunday. Layout, colors, content, the works.. Over that week I drafted a sketch of the style of letters I wanted to paint for this production. I arrived at the wall prepared and committed. With the background done we all began laying out our letters.

For whatever reason, I could not scale a portion of my piece correctly. I rolled over my initial layout and gave it some time to dry. I started in and once more, I failed again. I felt the frustration rising up in me but I pushed through. I gave the wall another once over with the roller. While I sat and watched the paint dry, I looked onward while my friends were beginning to make progress on their pieces.

The third time turned out to not be a charm, I had blown it once more. Totally dejected, I looked at the botched outline on the wall and again at my sketch. I sat alone for few moments with my thoughts..

I crumpled up the sketch into a ball and tossed it off to the side. I rolled back over the wall for a fourth time. Taking a can from the crate, I put on a new cap, gave it a few quick sprays and approached the wall..

I didn’t think, I just started spraying.

I let go completely and gave myself over to the moment. Sensing I had overcome myself, my friends started handing me some light praises. “Ah yeah man, you got it going now”, which over time rolled into a “bro that’s looking crazy” and reached its fever pitch with a “dude stop, you’re crushing us right now”.

With all said and done, we stood around looking at our work. The collective agreement was that I had just painted the best piece they had ever seen me produce. The admiration I have for these guys is unmatched and their words carry a lot of weight with me. For them to say that added an emotional component to the meaning of this lesson and made it stand out as one of the most impactful of my artistic journey.

I left the wall that day a little wiser.

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 Have you had an experience with this? Drop a comment below with how you navigated your own failures!

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