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col
hometown: new york, ny
website: www.robotswillkill.com and flickr/col_robotswillkill
Albus Cavus: When did you start painting?
Col: I started painting around 93-94.
AC: How did you get into it and how did your style evolve?
C: I got into graff basically the same way I think we all did... seeing it up everywhere. It amazed me when I was younger, just how it was done and the lengths people went to get noticed. When I first started I really was not into piecing, I just wanted to get my name out there. As I got more comfortable with a can I began to challenge myself to execute some pieces and it was a lot of fun. Style wise it took a while to develop; you always want your work to stand out, so I basically worked on the development of trying to make the shape of my piece be like an icon, so even though you may not be able to read it, you will know the shape.
AC: You do mostly pieces?
C: Yeah, my background in graff was always doing styles, so that is what I do mostly, but as of recent years I have been more involved with the background compositions and trying to paint more stuff that I find challenging and different.
AC: Describe your artwork please.
C: I paint in a 3D style incorporating silhouettes of my letters. I try to accomplish the structure of these layers and then try to break them down. The pushing and pulling of these elements makes for very strong markings in my works. I try to make the shape of my work consistent so it works like icon and with the addition of my claws it opens the viewers mind to wonder what is coming out from behind.
AC: Your "o" looks like it came from space that has more dimensions than our world. How far do you go experimenting with your style?
C: I try to experiment with my work as much as possible. I usually cast out all legibility when I paint. I like it that way, to me it becomes more interesting and inviting for different views, what you see is most likely different from what the person next to you will get out of it.
AC: Where do like to paint the most and with who?
C: The Bronx and Brooklyn are dope spots to paint, but I enjoy basically painting everywhere. It’s usually a different experience every time. My main partner is Veng, but I enjoy working with most artists, we all have different styles and to me that produces some amazing work when combined. Some people I have worked with: Cope2, Deem, Ecb, Demer, Themo, Acet, MadC, Tkid, Cern, Loomit and Flying Fortress.
AC: Any reactions from public?
C: Yes, we do get a lot of reactions. 9 out of 10 times they will be positive, but unfortunately you get that one ignorant person who talks shit.
AC: You are also actively involved in the annual "Meeting of Styles" in Bronx. Is it still purely an underground event or it's getting more into public view?
C: Yes. Meeting of Styles, that’s always a handful. It is real tough as you know to try and get sponsorship and real estate for people to paint. We usually have around 75-100 painters, so it’s a lot of work trying to make sure everyone is happy and stuff. Cope helps us out with the spot that can hold that many painters, and we get a good vibe and everyone does some amazing work. Plus you get the opportunity to meet some amazing people. Right now it still is basically kept as an underground event, hopefully as time goes on we will be able to make it more available to the public.
AC: What's next for you?
C: My painting partner Veng and I have been trying to focus on getting some more gallery shows together and do more installations. We are also going to be featured in a book coming out of Greece, about street murals and one coming out of France, about artists asked to paint a can of spray paint.
AC: Anything you would like to add?
C: I would just like to say that I am very grateful to be a part of this tour and I cant wait to see the amazing body of work that we all will produce.
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