INDIE 184 INTERVIEW
Where are you from?
I grew up all over New York City from Far Rockaway, East New York, Bushwick to the South Bronx. I have childhood memories growing up in all those neighborhoods. We used to move around like gypsies. But my most permanent stomping ground has been Washington Heights, New York City.
Where and what year did you start writing?
I officially began doing graffiti in 2001 while living in the Heights. I started tagging up in my hood on stickers, polls and payphones.
What inspired you to become involved in writing?
Back in my childhood I've always been surrounded graf since I was a little girl. Riding the A train all the way from Far Rockaway to Washington Heights in the early to mid '80s. But I will always remember back in 1990 while living on 167th street and Sheridan ave, in the Bronx, my bedroom window faced a small video rental store and the gate was done by TRACY 168 the exact one that's in Spraycan Art. Also, back in '91 when I went to the New York Public Library I checked out both Subway Art and Spraycan Art. I would try to mimic the pieces in there. I've always had daily dose of graffiti growing up in crazy hoods all over. From walking to school down East 167th Street and checking out local writers but mainly riding that A train and taking notes of the damage JA and REVS did in the tunnels. In 2001 when graffiti became more of a main focus, I befriended TOOFLY who drew characters and it's was all about the graffiti world. I had got the opportunity to meet LEE and hang out in his studio. That was very inspiring in an artistic level. During that same year I was helping a friend film a documentary about CEAZE MSK and I finally got to meet an real and active writer who did real things. I got the opportunity to see the world of a graffiti writer. And that was the true experience that I needed to push me to become a writer myself -not just watch from the sidelines.
Did you have a mentor?
In the beginning, when I starting writing it was my friend BAZE PCB, he would try to help me with style and letters while we where at work. Then it was CASINO142, he showed me the street bombing aspect of graf. But the most influential has been COPE2, he gave me fresh outlines to start of with, pushed me to do my first piece, put me down on production walls and shown me the ropes on real bombing - he basically dropped knowledge on how to become a well rounded writer.
How did you get your name?
I got my name from the movie Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom. I thought it didn't fit me. When I had second thoughts and was going to push some other names, Cope gave me outlines and I decided to just go with the flow. So over time it grew on me.
List all the other names under which you have painted.
When I first started writing I would tag my real name. I should have stayed with it since its so beautiful and unique. But that was short lived because I didn't want the public to know my business like that, to me one of the facets of graffiti is it's anonymity.
What is your specialty art or bombing?
I try to balance it out. It's like good and evil, you can't have one without the other. Although, because I am a mother I have to be more of a graffiti artist than a vandal. The damage is done elsewhere ;-)
Who or what influenced your style past and present?
When I first started off I wouldn't even think about style I was just on a mission to let the world know I was here! But I would definitely have to say SEEN, WEST, SERVE, JON ONE, DONDI, COPE2 and DELTA are enormous influences on my style of work. I love that classic New York style.
What regions/ cities have you written in?
Besides the US, I've written in Dublin, Madrid and Valencia, France, Puerto Rico, England, Poland, Milan and Rome. There's more to come. I'm an all around the world girl!
Is it difficult being a female writer?
Not at all as long as you come correct. Be tenacious, express yourself and always remain professional. But I don't believe in this day and age that being a writer difficult for us. Although, I must say that because there are a lot of female writers (as there are males) that want to become writers because its a novelty or their friends are doing it and want to imitate the lifestyle. To me it's all about longevity, staying active and putting in work speaks volume. Sometimes we have to prove ourselves that we are serious in what we do. At the end of the day it's all about who we are, how we represent ourselves and that will reflect who you are in what you do. Therefore, who you want to be, saying it, most importantly - doing it and becoming it. There are more females painting so it has become a worldwide movement. Bombing, painting trains and piecing. It's all about making an impact worldwide and doing it all!
Who were your most successful partners?
The most successful partner has been COPE2.
What crews have you written for and how did you join them?
I represent KD and 156. In the beginning Cope put me down but I felt that I was not ready to rep any crews. Within time I finally put up KD. Then I met JON ONE in the summer while we painted a production wall Uptown and he put me down.
Any good beef stories?
We'll there has been cases of the random local toy going over me. But let's just say that matter is easily taken care of. Other then that if I go over anyone is because I have been disrespected. Stay in your place and there won't be any problems!
Any upcoming projects?
But of course! I always keep busy. Working on canvases, shows, traveling and working my company Kweenz Destroy. In addition, I'm working on in all female graffiti documentary titled Kweenz Destroy.
Any closing words?
Thanks to my family and friends for all the love and support!
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