Roadsworth: "Getting Away" With Art

When the artistic icon and pop-art innovator, Andy Warhol, said that "Art is anything you can get away with," I'm sure he wasn't taking into account all of the dope street artists who cover the urban landscape with socio-political aesthetics and colorful pieces. As no surface can be deemed an untouchable canvas, artists all over the world color walls, streets, etc. with art that catches your eye and/or sets your conscientiousness in motion. These artists, unlike writers, traditional fine artists, sculptors, dancers and musicians, are in constant danger of legal repercussions. For this reason, I'm a big fan of street art. It's completely anti-establishment. Creating something in a public arena that defies creating on behalf of capitalist goals, on the chance that it very well may be destroyed by stiffs who prefer blank space, is a beautiful and admirable act.

So, I love the work and expression of Roadsworth.

"Roadsworth began painting the streets of Montreal in the fall of 2001. Initially motivated by a desire for more bike paths in the city and a questioning of "car culture" in general, he continued to develop a language around street markings and other elements of the urban landscape using a primarily stencil based technique. In the fall of 2004, Roadsworth was arrested for his nocturnal activities and charged with 53 counts of mischief. Despite the threat of heavy fines and a criminal record he received a relatively lenient sentence which he attributes in part to the public support he received subsequent to his arrest. Since that time, Roadsworth has received various commissions for his work and continues to be active in both visual art and music."

In spite of numerous charges, Roadsworth maintains his passion and continues to create. In all the artists who inspire me to write (a seemingly less dangerous profession), I must give kudos to all of the street artists who create in a climate that doesn't completely embrace what they do. Much love to every Roadsworth, Banksy and Dondi. Your work is most definitely appreciated. Thank you.