Writer Interviews

 

DABS : SDM ACA ADN

 

Can you tell us a bit about your background?

DABS!! SDM, ACA, ADN.... Grew up on the Belgrave line!!

 

How did you choose your tag, any special meaning?

When I first started bombing I wrote Whoom... A mate of mine who was older, and been writing longer than me had just started putting up Dabs!!!... I really liked the letters. I would always go on about how good the letters where etc, and was always doing dabs sketches, dropping hints!!.. So he passed it down to me!! He stopped painting about 11 years ago!!.. So it's safe to say I deserved it more than him!!!

 

How did you get in to graffiti?

I started bombing around 1993.. I was 15 years old and keen to destroy shit!! A lot of the older kids I hung around with (i.e scored weed off) were all writers... I'd always been into art and drawing, shitty little comics etc, and was always keen for trouble!! So graff obviously seemed like the perfect pastime!! The house I grew up in backed on to the train line!! I always used to hang out on the other side of the fence looking at the pieces!!.. Amazed at how they did it!!!

 

What is it that you love about graffiti that keeps you writing?

What I love about graffiti is that you get instant gratification from it!!! It's just one night!! Or one day!! Shit 1 hour and it's done!! And because of the surroundings of where you are painting, it's always a different mission, a different experience!!! It doesn't matter about what you're painting, where you're painting, or who you're painting with!!! It's always a good time with your mates!!!! That's what keeps me going and will always keep me going!!

 

Tell us about your style and how it has developed over the years.

Styles always change and develop, because of different influences and experiences.. When I started I was all about the classic 90's Melbourne style!! A million colour fill!! Trying to make it as wild as possible, and failing at it!! ha!!.. Over time I found my own style!! What suits me and how I paint!! Flat and bold!! Limited colour!! Nothing too serious!! Just fun!!!

 

Who have been your major influences?

When I started to sketch more and more and was keen to get out and paint, my mateĀ  Method was a massive influence!! He took me out and helped me a lot!!! Showed me a lot of shit.... He had been painting a lot longer than me which pushed me!! The new kid always has to try and keep up with the rest of the wall!!.. I wouldn't say he was a mentor, but definitely a mad painter, a good person to start painting with and a good mate!!!

 

Paint brand of choice

Spanish Montana , Belton and Gloss Black(Pro Line)

 

Cap of choice

Blue Dot

 

What music motivates you to paint?

Old hardcore music!! The Descendants!! Dead Kennedys, and of course hip hop!!

 

Memorable mission moment

Umm....not sure?,, One night an old Powerplus Touch Up which was meant to be my band colour fucked up, I started to crack the shits, started smashing it against the wall in a rage and it popped and I had paint all in my mouth, eyes, hair and all over my piece!! It sucked, but I guess it counts as memorable!

 

Any tips you're willing to share to the next generation of writers?

Don't bite!! Use your head!!!

 

Anything else to add?

Check out www.persquaremetre.com

 

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