Oski
New Member
Posts • 383
Likes • 617
December 2014
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by Oski on Jan 18, 2015 19:53:45 GMT 1, How did you get exposure to urban art, when did you get started collecting, and what was your first piece?
I'll start. I saw lots of street art in SoHo/LES when I first moved to NYC in the mid-90s and was struck with the fact that the artwork was no longer just tags or graffiti, and was an artistic expression with higher aspirations being shared in public space. I saw Shep Fairey's Giant on almost every block in SoHo (whether stickers, stencil, or paste). The Brooklyn Industry store was decorated with half a dozen Banksy Laugh Now monkeys (I think on cardboard at the time). But the one that loomed largest for me was WK Interact with his large kinetic pieces that took up entire sides of buildings. They were the most massive and adventurous, and I loved his style.
There were obviously no galleries to show their work and they were merely content to stay under the radar and not get arrested. Shep eventually started his Obey brand and started selling prints online. But it wouldn't be until 2003 when I saw that besides the print work, he came out with his "Shepard Fairey Fine Art" editions which were essentially his posters screened in editions of 2 on canvas, steel, and wood. I reached out and it was Amanda Fairey (Shep's wife) that was handling the sales and I ended up getting the SF Banner on wood (2/2) for $400. This was my first "real" art piece and is what helped get me started on collecting urban art. Here's an image of the print version borrowed from SYB, but mine is the same image screened on wood with Shep's hand built frame.
How did you get exposure to urban art, when did you get started collecting, and what was your first piece? I'll start. I saw lots of street art in SoHo/LES when I first moved to NYC in the mid-90s and was struck with the fact that the artwork was no longer just tags or graffiti, and was an artistic expression with higher aspirations being shared in public space. I saw Shep Fairey's Giant on almost every block in SoHo (whether stickers, stencil, or paste). The Brooklyn Industry store was decorated with half a dozen Banksy Laugh Now monkeys (I think on cardboard at the time). But the one that loomed largest for me was WK Interact with his large kinetic pieces that took up entire sides of buildings. They were the most massive and adventurous, and I loved his style. There were obviously no galleries to show their work and they were merely content to stay under the radar and not get arrested. Shep eventually started his Obey brand and started selling prints online. But it wouldn't be until 2003 when I saw that besides the print work, he came out with his "Shepard Fairey Fine Art" editions which were essentially his posters screened in editions of 2 on canvas, steel, and wood. I reached out and it was Amanda Fairey (Shep's wife) that was handling the sales and I ended up getting the SF Banner on wood (2/2) for $400. This was my first "real" art piece and is what helped get me started on collecting urban art. Here's an image of the print version borrowed from SYB, but mine is the same image screened on wood with Shep's hand built frame. |
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Aza
Artist
Junior Member
Posts • 2,983
Likes • 3,791
November 2006
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by Aza on Jan 18, 2015 20:19:03 GMT 1, This was my first piece:
I remember looking at all the Banksy canvases and thinking should I buy a load or not. I decided not to as they seemed so expensive!
This was my first piece: I remember looking at all the Banksy canvases and thinking should I buy a load or not. I decided not to as they seemed so expensive! |
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cosmic
Junior Member
Posts • 1,441
Likes • 921
January 2006
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by cosmic on Jan 18, 2015 20:20:55 GMT 1, This was my first piece: I remember looking at all the Banksy canvases and thinking should I buy a load or not. I decided not to as they seemed so expensive!
This was my first piece: I remember looking at all the Banksy canvases and thinking should I buy a load or not. I decided not to as they seemed so expensive! Still love this classic frame job after all these years , must be the best ever |
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Deleted
Posts • 0
Likes •
January 1970
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by Deleted on Jan 18, 2015 20:21:41 GMT 1, I started with Pure Evil at POW
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Oski
New Member
Posts • 383
Likes • 617
December 2014
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by Oski on Jan 18, 2015 20:24:00 GMT 1, This was my first piece: I remember looking at all the Banksy canvases and thinking should I buy a load or not. I decided not to as they seemed so expensive!
This was my first piece: I remember looking at all the Banksy canvases and thinking should I buy a load or not. I decided not to as they seemed so expensive! To think you could've retired on a tropical island (your own) at this point. That's a fantastic first pick up. As much as I prefer simple frames, I think your gold ornate one is fantastic and combined with the gold accented matting is absolutely perfect. Bravo. |
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chichi carter
Junior Member
Posts • 1,265
Likes • 1,056
February 2011
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by chichi carter on Jan 18, 2015 20:33:28 GMT 1, I can't even remember how I got into this. But somehow I ended up on POW's website. The first print I bought was 'Biting' by Sickboy.
I can't even remember how I got into this. But somehow I ended up on POW's website. The first print I bought was 'Biting' by Sickboy. |
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Deleted
Posts • 0
Likes •
January 1970
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by Deleted on Jan 18, 2015 20:38:12 GMT 1, Grin reaper
Downhill ever since
Grin reaper
Downhill ever since
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smishdown
New Member
Posts • 819
Likes • 351
December 2010
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by smishdown on Jan 18, 2015 20:44:06 GMT 1, My first piece and still one of my favourites
My first piece and still one of my favourites |
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by Liverpool ste123 on Jan 18, 2015 21:00:11 GMT 1, This was my first piece: I remember looking at all the Banksy canvases and thinking should I buy a load or not. I decided not to as they seemed so expensive! Still love this classic frame job after all these years , must be the best ever 
This was my first piece: I remember looking at all the Banksy canvases and thinking should I buy a load or not. I decided not to as they seemed so expensive! Still love this classic frame job after all these years , must be the best ever Ooooooh would love that frame around my Conor Harrington! |
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dashboll
New Member
Posts • 973
Likes • 1,037
January 2013
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by dashboll on Jan 18, 2015 21:12:23 GMT 1, Im going to show how wet I am behind the ears... Got into eine in 2012 when he was at Salford, managed to get hold of oranges, and that was it, the start of my journey.
Would add that this forum has massively opened my eyes to what's out there, now hooked and love most things I see. Dream piece would be etam moonshine if anyone is feeling generous!
Im going to show how wet I am behind the ears... Got into eine in 2012 when he was at Salford, managed to get hold of oranges, and that was it, the start of my journey.
Would add that this forum has massively opened my eyes to what's out there, now hooked and love most things I see. Dream piece would be etam moonshine if anyone is feeling generous!
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Ottomatik
Junior Member
Posts • 4,212
Likes • 2,451
March 2009
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by Ottomatik on Jan 18, 2015 21:30:37 GMT 1, My first piece:
Had seen an image of his 'In God We Trust' print and did a Google search...liked this one more. Purchased it on ebay for $350.
Within a few months from that, I discovered Expresso Beans and this forum.
A few weeks later, someone on here posted that Miss Bugs had their Mother on wood up for charity auction. I was in love at first sight! Sent Miss an email, two months later I had this:
...and the love affair is still going strong!
My first piece: Had seen an image of his 'In God We Trust' print and did a Google search...liked this one more. Purchased it on ebay for $350. Within a few months from that, I discovered Expresso Beans and this forum. A few weeks later, someone on here posted that Miss Bugs had their Mother on wood up for charity auction. I was in love at first sight! Sent Miss an email, two months later I had this: ...and the love affair is still going strong! |
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ABC
Artist
Junior Member
Posts • 5,533
Likes • 1,923
August 2006
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by ABC on Jan 18, 2015 21:35:35 GMT 1, Spent the 80s skating and with that came graffiti. Every bowl or ramp was plasted in graff so I just joined in. That carried on through school and then on to art college in 89. Whilst at college I started to go to galleries and shows. I can't remember what my first art buy was, but my first street art piece was aBanksy RC - I had that pinned on the wall with drawing pins. I certainly remember the Turf war show and the media coverage it generated. Stumbling across the eBay forum was a gem at the time. At the time it was pretty easy to buy Banksy prints but PA the moderator and a few others were a great source of info. TM and Love rat were up on POW for ages. I think the print that changed the game for me was Grannies.it was the first print that sold in minutes and that's when it all kicked off. That was nearly a decade ago and now I'm ten years older.
Spent the 80s skating and with that came graffiti. Every bowl or ramp was plasted in graff so I just joined in. That carried on through school and then on to art college in 89. Whilst at college I started to go to galleries and shows. I can't remember what my first art buy was, but my first street art piece was aBanksy RC - I had that pinned on the wall with drawing pins. I certainly remember the Turf war show and the media coverage it generated. Stumbling across the eBay forum was a gem at the time. At the time it was pretty easy to buy Banksy prints but PA the moderator and a few others were a great source of info. TM and Love rat were up on POW for ages. I think the print that changed the game for me was Grannies.it was the first print that sold in minutes and that's when it all kicked off. That was nearly a decade ago and now I'm ten years older.
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South Bound
Junior Member
Posts • 1,483
Likes • 1,125
May 2014
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by South Bound on Jan 18, 2015 21:35:42 GMT 1, Growing up, I had friends who were graffiti artists. Then worked on a movie where Shep did the poster art and got to go to his studio, but was not until 2004 that I started collecting.
Growing up, I had friends who were graffiti artists. Then worked on a movie where Shep did the poster art and got to go to his studio, but was not until 2004 that I started collecting.
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sin
New Member
Posts • 614
Likes • 737
February 2013
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by sin on Jan 18, 2015 22:00:12 GMT 1, When I was 16 I lived in a squat with a bunch of writers.
Art was always part of my life in one form or another, but I wouldn't say I became a collectort till 2010.
The first piece was
Joe Iurato - The Snow Melts the Soonest When...
When I was 16 I lived in a squat with a bunch of writers. Art was always part of my life in one form or another, but I wouldn't say I became a collectort till 2010. The first piece was Joe Iurato - The Snow Melts the Soonest When... |
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Swiss Alan
New Member
Posts • 432
Likes • 265
March 2013
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by Swiss Alan on Jan 18, 2015 22:02:59 GMT 1, Hush - Dirty Bomb was my first. My bank balance was never the same again!
Hush - Dirty Bomb was my first. My bank balance was never the same again!
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supercockle
New Member
Posts • 544
Likes • 288
November 2010
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by supercockle on Jan 18, 2015 23:12:39 GMT 1, I grew up seeing Fista tagged all over the place. He was prolific in South Yorkshire in the late 80s. I then helped build a skate park in the 90s and a friend (Crie) invited all his mates along to paint it. Never tried it but always loved it.
It wasn't until 2008 that I bought my first piece.
I think it was He Stands Alone by SPQR. Shortly after I bought my first original.
I haven't always been so lucky with my purchases.
http://instagram.com/p/U1urBBDAg1
I grew up seeing Fista tagged all over the place. He was prolific in South Yorkshire in the late 80s. I then helped build a skate park in the 90s and a friend (Crie) invited all his mates along to paint it. Never tried it but always loved it. It wasn't until 2008 that I bought my first piece. I think it was He Stands Alone by SPQR. Shortly after I bought my first original. I haven't always been so lucky with my purchases. http://instagram.com/p/U1urBBDAg1 |
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Balboa
New Member
Posts • 975
Likes • 1,407
November 2007
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by Balboa on Jan 18, 2015 23:15:27 GMT 1, Banksy Jack & Jill (Police kids) was my first piece in January 2005 after I discovered his work at Santa's Ghetto 2004.
Shortly afterwards I bought a GWB diptych from Laz for £3k. Unfortunately I do not still have it.
Banksy Jack & Jill (Police kids) was my first piece in January 2005 after I discovered his work at Santa's Ghetto 2004.
Shortly afterwards I bought a GWB diptych from Laz for £3k. Unfortunately I do not still have it.
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craigf
Full Member
Posts • 8,557
Likes • 846
May 2007
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by craigf on Jan 18, 2015 23:53:22 GMT 1, Banksy Jack & Jill (Police kids) was my first piece in January 2005 after I discovered his work at Santa's Ghetto 2005. Shortly afterwards I bought a GWB diptych from Laz for £3k. Unfortunately I do not still have it.
Banksy Jack & Jill (Police kids) was my first piece in January 2005 after I discovered his work at Santa's Ghetto 2005. Shortly afterwards I bought a GWB diptych from Laz for £3k. Unfortunately I do not still have it. I want to do the opposite of liking your post, please don't tell me your ex still has it! |
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Deleted
Posts • 0
Likes •
January 1970
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by Deleted on Jan 18, 2015 23:57:21 GMT 1, I started collecting Pop Art (Lichtenstein, Warhol mostly) but was drawn to the anti-establishment message behind street art. bought some Banksy bits, and have been broke ever since 
I started collecting Pop Art (Lichtenstein, Warhol mostly) but was drawn to the anti-establishment message behind street art. bought some Banksy bits, and have been broke ever since |
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Black Apple Art
Art Gallery
Junior Member
Posts • 2,007
Likes • 3,970
September 2013
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by Black Apple Art on Jan 19, 2015 0:26:21 GMT 1, First piece was this Delta by Peter Max and still have it. Wish there was room to still hang it.
First piece was this Delta by Peter Max and still have it. Wish there was room to still hang it. |
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Deleted
Posts • 0
Likes •
January 1970
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by Deleted on Jan 19, 2015 0:44:39 GMT 1, Was working my first job in 1990 at a Gallery in New Zealand and my old Art school teacher dropped in a piece that i had been watching him paint in his office in the Art department the year before.
I watched all the layers of paint being applied and his technique over a year.
It was to be sold in the gallery but i asked if i could buy it instead.
Brought for $600 which was a fortune back then as I was only earning $160 a week.
The paintings called Falling Angel and was painted in reaction to his daughter having an injury which stopped her from competing in the Commonwealth Games in Gymnastics.
Still one of my favourite pieces.
Urban art came about 10 years ago when I realised there was a banksy Stencil on the side of my building.
one of the only ones done in Sydney from what i understand.
Not there now but that set me off.
Was working my first job in 1990 at a Gallery in New Zealand and my old Art school teacher dropped in a piece that i had been watching him paint in his office in the Art department the year before. I watched all the layers of paint being applied and his technique over a year. It was to be sold in the gallery but i asked if i could buy it instead. Brought for $600 which was a fortune back then as I was only earning $160 a week. The paintings called Falling Angel and was painted in reaction to his daughter having an injury which stopped her from competing in the Commonwealth Games in Gymnastics. Still one of my favourite pieces. Urban art came about 10 years ago when I realised there was a banksy Stencil on the side of my building. one of the only ones done in Sydney from what i understand. Not there now but that set me off. |
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mace
Junior Member
Posts • 1,491
Likes • 288
August 2008
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by mace on Jan 19, 2015 0:50:31 GMT 1, Hello, my name is mace. My addiction started 7 years ago. My entry into this misery was a Dolk 'Zooicide' after seeing his Che stencil in Bergen, Norway.
Hello, my name is mace. My addiction started 7 years ago. My entry into this misery was a Dolk 'Zooicide' after seeing his Che stencil in Bergen, Norway.
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iamzero
Full Member
Posts • 9,190
Likes • 8,542
May 2011
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by iamzero on Jan 19, 2015 0:58:36 GMT 1, I blame Jealous Gallery. My first was Bird ii from Charming Baker pre show sale. Wished I'd started to collect sooner as the stuff I'd've bought would probably paid my house off now.
I blame Jealous Gallery. My first was Bird ii from Charming Baker pre show sale. Wished I'd started to collect sooner as the stuff I'd've bought would probably paid my house off now.
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spatia
New Member
Posts • 97
Likes • 190
January 2012
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by spatia on Jan 19, 2015 2:22:20 GMT 1, DMC-12 - Anville - Foil Variant
Slippery Slope this art collecting is.
DMC-12 - Anville - Foil Variant
Slippery Slope this art collecting is.
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tigerblood
New Member
Posts • 790
Likes • 939
August 2011
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by tigerblood on Jan 19, 2015 2:53:19 GMT 1, I see a lot of Shepard Fairey on this thread which is exactly what I expected. To me, he's like a gateway drug... inexpensive prints dropping frequently. My first was Adopt back in '09.
The prints that made me really fall in love with the scene dropped the following year- Escif Spanish Passion and Dolk Prison Painter which will never come down from my walls. I gave the Adopt to a friend who was really into it. Not much into Obey prints after the initial spurt.
I see a lot of Shepard Fairey on this thread which is exactly what I expected. To me, he's like a gateway drug... inexpensive prints dropping frequently. My first was Adopt back in '09.
The prints that made me really fall in love with the scene dropped the following year- Escif Spanish Passion and Dolk Prison Painter which will never come down from my walls. I gave the Adopt to a friend who was really into it. Not much into Obey prints after the initial spurt.
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natstan
Junior Member
Posts • 1,806
Likes • 1,127
March 2013
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by natstan on Jan 19, 2015 2:53:19 GMT 1, Eelus chewbarber was my first print purchase back in 2012. I guess as a newcomer to this hobby, the idea of a simple b&w image on color and a touch of humor is refreshing back then. But these days I seem to have moved on from images that have such a style.
Eelus chewbarber was my first print purchase back in 2012. I guess as a newcomer to this hobby, the idea of a simple b&w image on color and a touch of humor is refreshing back then. But these days I seem to have moved on from images that have such a style.
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bgt5002
New Member
Posts • 223
Likes • 157
November 2013
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by bgt5002 on Jan 19, 2015 3:07:12 GMT 1, I bought a Tiffanys for Breakfast by Eelus about a month after initial release. Still love it very much.
I bought a Tiffanys for Breakfast by Eelus about a month after initial release. Still love it very much.
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by Jeezuz Jones Snr on Jan 19, 2015 3:22:01 GMT 1, I heard of Banksy and liked his art since i bought my mate his book in 2005 for his birthday in Heathrow Airport on way back to Sydney.
I Didn't realise there was a whole new culture/new world of prints and releases etc. In 2007 I saw the Nick Walker 'Mona Simpson' image that like the post above took me to the POW site where i bought one, then I realised that Banksy was sold there and a lot more artists, also realised there are 1000's of people F5ing to buy one, then got caught up in it all and been buying art ever since..
I sold the Nick Walker last year and regret it, an old guy around 60 turned up to our old place in Sydney and he was a collector
I heard of Banksy and liked his art since i bought my mate his book in 2005 for his birthday in Heathrow Airport on way back to Sydney. I Didn't realise there was a whole new culture/new world of prints and releases etc. In 2007 I saw the Nick Walker 'Mona Simpson' image that like the post above took me to the POW site where i bought one, then I realised that Banksy was sold there and a lot more artists, also realised there are 1000's of people F5ing to buy one, then got caught up in it all and been buying art ever since.. I sold the Nick Walker last year and regret it, an old guy around 60 turned up to our old place in Sydney and he was a collector |
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thomasmer
Junior Member
Posts • 1,107
Likes • 565
July 2014
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by thomasmer on Jan 19, 2015 4:21:41 GMT 1, I was pretty high, had about £800 in tha bank, went into POW and bought, Grin Reapper, Toxic Mary, Love Rat, and a Gangsta Rat along with a Gold Dog Save the Queen.
I was pretty high, had about £800 in tha bank, went into POW and bought, Grin Reapper, Toxic Mary, Love Rat, and a Gangsta Rat along with a Gold Dog Save the Queen.
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When Did You Start Collecting and What Was Your First Piece, by Someones Brain on Jan 19, 2015 12:26:56 GMT 1, For me, it began with music. Music scene brought me to collecting screenprinted gigposters (e.g by Kozik, Derek Hess, Ames Brothers, Emek, Jay Ryan ...) starting in the late 90s. I still have about 300 gigposters. From gigposters it went to art prints by "gigposter" artists, from there it was another step to street art and grafitti. What was nice to see (at least for me with that development) is that more and more street/urban artists start/started to do gigposters from time to time. So here I am, trying to keep my money together for more important things like a house or vacations.
For me, it began with music. Music scene brought me to collecting screenprinted gigposters (e.g by Kozik, Derek Hess, Ames Brothers, Emek, Jay Ryan ...) starting in the late 90s. I still have about 300 gigposters. From gigposters it went to art prints by "gigposter" artists, from there it was another step to street art and grafitti. What was nice to see (at least for me with that development) is that more and more street/urban artists start/started to do gigposters from time to time. So here I am, trying to keep my money together for more important things like a house or vacations.
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