The Daily Fix (Amayzun)
(Q) How long have you been taking photos of graffiti & what interests you to do so??
(A) I’ve been shooting graffiti for about 5 years now.. I was attracted to the color combos & styles that were out here in LA.. I grew up in Riverside County & all I ever really saw was tagging.. There wasn’t anything close to what I would see out here in LA when I’d come visit my family.. So I started taking pictures to document what I was seeing when I’d come out.. I started sharing pictures on message boards & what not, & people would start looking forward to seeing new stuff.. So it became a mission for me to show people the dope ass graffiti that I would find in LA.. I was able to update more frequently when I moved out here three years ago..
(Q) Do you own photo albums of actual prints or do you prefer digital??
(A) I only have two albums of actual prints, but their not very old.. I only recently started shooting film about two years ago.. I actually prefer the feel of film prints over digital prints..
(Q) How many photos are in your personal collection??
(A) Of straight graffiti, in the streets – approx. 2000.. I also have photos of pieces that were done at various graffiti events & shows.. I would say there are about 500 of those in my collection..
(Q) Do you feel photography plays a major role in documenting graffiti culture??
(A) Of course.. Once a piece is buffed it’s gone forever.. Also, we share photos with people all over the world & I think that helps writers from other countries get inspired, mix different styles & colors, and try out new things that they probably would have never thought of..
(Q) Do you have any crazy stories or memorable moments while taking photos??
(A) I actually don’t.. I’ve came across some interesting characters in various places.. I had a homeless man try to give me a flea infested cat & I’ve seen some pretty exotic & strange porn mags out and about.. But I don’t have anything that’s ever happened to me that will go down in history.. yet….
Check out Amayzun‘s photostream:
http://flickr.com/photos/amayzun
Props to Amayzun for doing her thing! Doing what she enjoys and utilizing her photography skills to document all the graffiti that disappears over time.
Cool interview!