BBB24

BIZARRE BEYOND BELIEF ERNEST DOTY DEE SKULLS
JEFF MANCILLA MEDIAH
MAGAZINE
ISSUE #24
ARTS +
CULTURE APRIL BIP sHOK SASHA BLOT
2017 SABEK MEAR ONE
bIZARREbEYONDbELIEF 1
Dedicated to the brilliant, beautiful and bizarre.
Whimsical tales, visuals and various odds and ends
about obscure and misunderstood sub-cultures.
Bizarre Beyond Belief is a bi-monthly digital

publication & daily updated blog with an online shop.
Disclaimer: Some of the content on this site may

contain offensive nature. BBB does not condone
or promote the activities portrayed, it is merely
documentation of said sub-cultures.
All requests and inquiries to:

contact@bizarrebeyondbelief.com
Cover: Mear One | Back Cover: MEDIAH
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2 bIZARREbEYONDbELIEF
BIZARRE BEYOND BELIEF
CONTENTS
TABLE OF
MAGAZINE
ISSUE #24
ARTS +
CULTURE APRIL
2017
INTERVIEWS
ERNEST DOTY PAGE. 4
DYLAN SKULLS Page. 26
MEDIAH Page. 52
SHOK page. 80
MEAR ONE page. 116
IMAGE FEATUREs
SASHA BLOT page. 14
BIP PAGE. 38
JEFF MANCILLA PAGE. 66
SABEK NONSENSE PAGE. 96
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ERNEST DOTY
Ernest Doty is another incredible artist that
we found through the wonders of social
media and were super thankful for it.
Not only only is Doty a brilliant

artist working hard in the streets and
representing some of the most impressive
crews around the globe, but he is also
a highly skilled urban explorer, whose
videos show him doing some of those most
impressive climbing on our feed.
With a personality that is larger than life

and a unique aesthetic, Doty is a name
known well beyond just his hometown.
We have been working on this feature for

a little while now and we are extremely
excited to finally lock down a feature with
the man and we have no doubt, youll
enjoy it just as much as we do.
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We really want to
democratize street
art by making it
accessible to all.
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Bizarre Beyond Belief: When did you first begin and largest international graffiti crews in the world. CBS
painting graffiti and have you always gone under the Crew was also founded in 1986 in Los Angeles,
moniker you go by now? California. I originally started painting and hanging out
with CBS about 10 or 11 years ago.
Ernest Doty: I originally started doing graffiti in 1992
and have had a few names since the beginning, but pretty BBB: How do you feel these crews have helped shape
much just go by Doty these days. your painting aesthetic today?
BBB: Can you tell us about what the scene is like in ED: Everybody in both crews I consider family and
out in the Bay Area? have helped shape my style immensely. I learned a lot
from growing up watching the older guys in the crews
ED: The scene here in the Bay Area is probably one of paint and Im definitely honored to be part of the family.
the most active scenes Ive seen in the world and I am
honored to be a part of it. BBB: Your style generally contains figurative and
portrait elements, what led you to these instead of
BBB: You run with some of the most prolific crews in painting traditional letter graffiti?
the United States, can you tell us a little bit about their
origins and how you came to rock with them? ED: My productions typically contain figurative and
portrait elements instead of traditional letters because I
ED: Lords Crew was originally founded in San Jose, feel it allows me to tell a broader, more detailed story and
California in 1986 and like CBS crew, is one of the oldest as well allows me to connect with a larger audience.
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BBB: There often times is a divide between the in a plane both separate and connected to the one we call
two fields, how do you feel each one plays off one reality and exist in now.
another and does one have more credibility that its
counterpart? BBB: Youre also at the helm of the hilarious Graffiti
Petey videos, how did this come about and what led
ED: There is definitely a divide between letters and you to make it more than just a laugh with some
characters but I think each is equally important and friends?
influences the other.
ED: Graffiti Petey was pretty much an accident. I found
BBB: You incorporate many animal characters to your an old ventriloquist dummy in a trash pile here in West
pieces, what is the significance of the animal world Oakland who was broken and in many pieces. I rebuilt it
and do you feel a connection to it? repainted it and had it for a while before doing anything
with it. The videospretty much birthed from a drunken
ED: The animals I incorporate into my pieces are just night with friends and has just become something we do
meant to represent the nature that we stripped from our for fun in hopes of making a few people laugh and just
surroundings.I paint a lot of birds because to me, they being ridiculous altogether.
represent freedom and an ability to venture into the
psychedelic realm. I definitely feel a connection to them BBB: Do you think there will ever be a full length
as we are all one with nature whether we choose to accept feature film or television series based on the
and recognize it or not. character?
BBB: There also tends to be many surreal aspects to ED: We would love to do a full length movie parity
your work which seem almost narrative, do you feel as at some point in the future we are working on a few
if you are telling a story through each image you paint mockumentaries at the moment and hopefully will get
and if so, what might they be? them done within the year.
ED: There is most definitely a surreal aspect to my BBB: With 2017 underway, what can our readers
work and definitely a narrative what they are supposed expect from Ernest Doty in the coming months?
to represent is. I feel that we as a species humans have
the ability for great potential and I think one day we will ED: As far as 2017 goes, I am getting ready to do some
reach a point of enlightenment but I think it will be too painting in Costa Rica and then Im planning a trip to
late and come at a cost, that is why my characters tend to Japan, Bangkok and a few other places. My goal for this
be malformed. Theyre supposed to represent us in the year is to get in as much traveling and paint as many large
far future and are supposed to be holy and shamanistic scale pieces as possible. I would like to go bigger this
-representing the reconnection with nature and self but year than Ive gone in previous years and I am extremely
in this future nature is all but almost gone and we exist excited to kick it all into gear.
instagram: @ernestdoty
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SASHA BLOT
Sasha Blot is a Russia-based artist who
creates unbelievable character inspired
multidisciplinary work.
Rooted in street-art and graffiti, Blot

creates work beyond the streets and from
canvases to illustration, graphic design to
sculpture.
Though Blot creates brilliant work in

almost every medium, we are focusing
here on a selection of his incredible and
interactive public art pieces.
With a unique technique and aesthetic

Blot uses the surroundings of the surface
he chosses to paint to dictate the viewers
relationship to the piece.
An undoubtedly hard-working and

inspiring artist, we can easily say hes
become one of our favourite new artsits
and were stoked to share his work with
our readers.
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website: www.sashablot.com | instagram: @sashablot
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BRUNO SMOKY | PHOTO: HALOPIGG
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CHRIS KONECKI | PHOTO: HALOPIGG
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DEE SKULLS
Weve had the absolute privilege of
knowing Skulls since as long as we can
remember and its an honour to have him
grace the pages of our magazine.
Dee Skulls is a creative individual in all

aspects of the phrase. From street art to
illustration, from sculpture to music, this
boy has got it all, and its all done well.
With an all-systems-go attitude to every

aspect of his life, Skulls is an extremely
eccentric and capable individual thats just
waiting to blow up.
From his whimsical creatures to his dark

and disturb portrait figures, Skulls has an
aresenal of talent that serves a purpose
for every occasion.
With all that being said, well quit the

chitter-chatter and let the mans work do
the rest of the talking.
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Bizarre Beyond Belief: We know that you started morphing and changing - in a constant state of flux.
painting graffiti a number of years ago, can you tell us
about your origins as a graffiti artist? BBB: As a Toronto based artist, how does your style fit
in amongst the scene there?
Dylan Skulls: I started painting graffiti when I was around
13 or 14years old. My buddy and I started to notice it DS: There are not a ton of people doing what Im doing
around the neighborhood we grew up in, butit wasnt in Toronto. That being said, I wouldnt say that my stuff
until we met a guy in math class that was a writer until has never been done before or that its super original. I try
I actually went out. Since then, I fell in love with it and to do my own thing and ignore what people really think.
have been painting on and off ever since. If you get caught up in the smoke show that is Toronto
you will drown in a sea of backwards idiots who have this
BBB: Your style has changed quite dramatically since commercial idea of what they think art should be. Best to
then, can you describe what sparked this new method keep out of the scene, put your head down, and produce.
of creating work out on the street?
BBB: With that being said, how would you classify
DS: I used to be scared to do the things I wanted to do your work - graffiti or street art?
because I wasnt confident in my illustrations and myself
as an artist. I started seeing guys like Neckface doing DS: I guess I would fall under the street artist category,
these insane walls and got really into accomplished even though I dont like that title. I dont paint with any
illustrators like Alexander Heir. It made me want to try street artists and tend not to like most street art. I dont
new things. It also made me realize that if you can paint blast letters like most writers so Im not really a graffiti
and draw in a sketchy way and do whatever you want, artist. I guess I fall somewhere in the middle.
and it will come out amazing. Over the years I focused
on developing the style that I work in now. Its always BBB: You also took a hiatus from for a number of
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years, can you tell us a little bit about that and what of painting and I have been painting steady since.
inspired you to come back full force?
BBB: We know that youve been collaborating quite
DS: I was really into drugs and booze from a young age a bit with a collective named Chiller Vibes, can you
And for years that fuelled my art and my painting. It gave tells us about the groups origins and its methodology?
me confidence and made me feel invincible , but after
a while it all caught up with me. I was homeless and a DS: My bud Getso and I had been talking for ages and
mess for a few years. I stopped painting and drawing and wanted to collaborate on a project. We almost went down
basically gave up on it. It wasnt until I sobered up for a the zine route but that really didnt pan out. Then finally
while that I really got back into my art. I had a few friends we just got together with our pal Stonr and crushed a
that helped me get my feet wet again. As for painting, it monochromatic piece all just free form not thinking about
came back when I was on a trip to Montreal. I was out the end result and just having fun. It turned out cool as
with my buddy for dinner he was bitching me out for not fuck. From there we brought in Dethrock and we started
painting anymore and one thing led to another. That was coming up with concepts for murals, which are just
the first night, we grabbed a couple of cans and I did a random ideas and showing up to the wall and blasting
skull. It all came back to me the rush and the satisfaction them out. Everyone just goes wild and paints over of each
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other, connecting images and icons almost like an insane DS:I think they play off each other in every way now.
collage of ideas. Its a fucking blast. Ill be doodling and that can turn into a wall, or a paint a
skeleton on a train and that will end up as a shirt idea. Its
BBB: Outside of the street you also create a number all one big cluster fuck of ideas and stupid shit.
of incredible works such as illustrations and paintings,
how do you feel your work differs from outdoors to BBB: You are also a musician as well, can you tell us a
indoors? little bit about your musical endeavours and how that
helps or hinders your artistic career?
DS: With my work on paper and in the studio I tend to
get way more sucked into what Im doing and over think DS: Ive been playing in bands in Toronto for years,
things a lot. Im usually working on a million paintings, most of which not worth mentioning. I currently have a
drawings, comics and posters at the same time. More project called Bad Zeppelin and should have a record out
often than not most projects get lost in the wash. With my this year. I work with a guy called Marvelous Mark. He
outdoor work, I like to be more free with it and not think basically is the reason I get anything done with my music.
about it, just go out and paint. I really think it helps my career as an artist because it
gives me a lot of bands to work withdoing posters or
BBB: Can you describe your conceptual process in album art. Its a huge bulk of the commission work I get.
creating work both indoors and out?
BBB: If you were left with a decision to only choose
DS: When Im working in the studio or outside, anything one (music or art), which one would it be and why?
that comes into my mind, I play with. I like to try and
follow through with every idea I have from stupid comics DS: Nope
to large scale murals. it gives me a lot of material and
mediums to work with, keeps me busy, out of trouble BBB: With spring approaching in Toronto, what can
and always doing something different. Its good for me our readers expect from Dylan Skulls in the coming
because I can get bored of a project or end up thinking I months?
hate something pretty quickly.
DS: A shit ton of walls/trains/comics/posters/shirts/
BBB: Do you feel as if the two can help innovate the collaborations/zines and some music too. And weed.
other or do you feel its best to keep them separate?
instagram: @badksulls
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BIP
BIP, also known as BIP Graffiti, is
an anonymous artist who creates
extraordinary mural work.
With little information accessible about

the artist, it makes us here at BBB really
enjoy the work that much more. There is
something not only admirable but alluring
about an artist who is adamant about
anonymity.
BIPs work ranges from clever pop-culture

interventions to hyperrealistic portraits
and figures. Beyond the content itself, BIP
has knack for utilizing the space and the
surface to best of their abilities.
One thing that we do know for certain is

that BIP is well known for the beautifying
the landscape of the Bay Area.
If you havent heard of BIP yet, we can

guarantee you hell be one of your new
favourite artists, as he has been one of
ours for a while now.
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WEBSITE: www.bipgraffiti.com | INSTAGRAM: @BIP_GRAFFITI
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duncan jago
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martina merlini
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augustine kofie
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kelly ording
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MEDIAH
MEDIAH has been a staple of the graffiti
scene in Toronto for as long as we can
remember, so it goes without saying
that we are without words to describe
how thrilled we are to have him in our
publication.
MEDIAH has easily been one of the most

innovative and forward thinking writers
in Canada with a style that is completely
original and entirely out of this world.
Beyond painting walls, MEDIAH has

immersed himself in the art community
around the globe with some of the most
breath-taking and intricate work that can
be seen in person or on the internet.
We were absolutely blessed to

commondeer some time out of MEDIAHs
busy schedule for a chat about his work,
practice and vision for the future.
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Bizarre Beyond Belief: Youve been working under MEDIAH :Yeah, the older I became the greater the risk
the pseudonym MEDIAH for over two decades now, involved with being a black writer and doing illegal
can you tell us how you came up with this alias and its pieces. While the other writers would get a slap on the
significance to your and/or your practice? wrist if caught bombing, for me it was either years of
imprisonment, a life crippling beating or even death by
MEDIAH: I chose the name because at the time I could police. It wasnt worth the risk. Secondly, I wanted to
create graffiti using any medium on any media so I first push my work on a very professional level so I wanted to
started writing MEDIA before I added the H on the end. be transparent as possible and allow the public to know
The H was added because the old testament prophets who I am. It was something that I needed in order to go
had an IAH on the end of their names. Also because in where I am going.
Jamaica people would greet me with Yes Iyah which in
Patois is a greeting that means Give thanks to the Most BBB: Youve been working as a graffiti artist in
High. The name MEDIAH really describes my artistic Toronto for the same amount of time, can you tell us
approach, my culture and my faith all in one. what the scene was like when you first began?
BBB: You now publicize your government name MEDIAH: My experience coming up in Toronto may
along with your work, what is your take on anonymity be quite a bit different from other peoples. The scene
and why have you decided to relinquish it? was a lot more competitive and required for you to pay
your dues before hitting the streets with pieces. I had
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difficulty when I first came up because of the amount of is my intent. Since then my paintings and hybrid artworks
effort required to make a name for yourself in the scene. have given me the freedom and flexibility to experiment
It wasnt like how it is today where writers can just start and display my work in galleries, exhibitions and create
writing. You needed to be introduced or affiliated with artwork for diverse clientele. Its a blessing
established writers before breaking out and painting in the
known legal or illegal spots. I made some mistakes that BBB: How do you feel the mentality of graffiti artists
pissed some people off and my reaction to these people have changed since you began and what do you think
was immature and irrational. To everybody I pissed off or helped push this transformation?
dissed way back then - I SINCERELY APOLOGIZE!
MEDIAH: Hmmm. Well I think that the new set of
BBB: With many artists now turning to the fine art graffiti writers (at least in Toronto) are less concerned
realm, did you ever see yourself developing in this way about artistic quality and have turned their attention
since the time of your origins? to the grittyness of bombing and making a name for
themselves. The mentality has changed quite a bit. The
MEDIAH: I think so. There was always a draw to level of respect that was once established in the scene
exhibit my work in a professional setting and expose has been replaced with new rules that those of us from
my art to people beyond the graffiti scene. As I began the 90s dont quite understand (at least I dont). Pioneers
to be inspired by digital media, fine art, graphic design and foundational giants of the scene can easily be crossed
and animation my whole modus operandi changed out, dissed or sloppily covered if they arent careful and
dramatically. Instead of being primarily concerned it never used to be this way. I respect the level of risk and
about fame and getting up my focus turned to cause the intensity the new writers have but I will continue to
and effect above everything else. That means that in abide by my philosophy of RBD- Respect by default. I try
everything I do my art must uplift, inspire and give not to paint over anybody whether toy or king...I just find
something to the viewer on a spiritual level. At least that my own walls and push my art on my own.
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BBB: We often hear the term post-graffiti used by developments?

many artists, including yourself, how would you define
this term and what makes it so powerful in this day MEDIAH: All three of these fields are about innovation
and age? and technology. I want to take the same approach in
my artwork by constantly innovating and pushing the
MEDIAH: Once again my definition of post-graffiti may boundaries of the norm. Since I was really little I was
be quite different from someone elses. For me post- always obsessed with computers, building robots and
graffiti means that my work stems from graffiti culture the insides of electronics. I grew up watching Voltron,
in its foundation, but the post means that it has evolved and the first series of Transformers: Robots in Disguise
away from or branched out into something entirely (the 1983/84 version). All of these things shaped me into
different. My work has almost completely abandoned text. being an artistic computer nerd with social skills. Even
My fine artwork NEVER says MEDIAH in anyway shape now, I can build a PC in a heartbeat and use complicated
or form. Some of my wall pieces are built from the name software and digital media techniques for my art. I enjoy
MEDIAH but contain obliterated components of the word looking at blueprints, plans and mechanical wireframes.
to make something with its own personality. I cant justify It just gets me going. My father was a brilliant draftsman
writing my name all the time while people are starving in the early 1970s and he gave me the foundation of
in South Sudan or being kidnapped and sold into human technical drawing and introduced me to the tools of the
trafficking. Its too self absorbed for me. Often times trade. In return, I taught him quite a bit about computers.
people ask me What does it say? I always ask them Hes an incredible influence to me.
back How does it make you feel? Or what do you see
when you look at it? The ability to transcend a definition BBB: Your work is extremely powerful and
for ones art is powerful because it breaks the limits of the meticulous, can you tell us about your creative process
definition when you branch out. from concept to completion?
BBB: You also refer to your practice as dynamic MEDIAH: Okay, this is complicated and difficult to
abstract, how would you describe this term and what articulate. My process is very unusual and it differs
are its origins? from piece to piece. Most of the time my pieces require
a certain amount of submission. Its as if Im instructed
MEDIAH: I would say its origins lie with the Italian on how to create the piece step by step and often times
Futurists, Marcel Duchamp and Constructivism out of arguments ensue between me and the Spirit behind my
early 20th century Russia. My work is much different in artwork. Everything I paint nowadays consists of multiple
terms of its core ideology but the genius of the Futurists drawings composited together to make a whole. Nothing I
was in their artistic approach not their fascism. My do is one element but rather multiple elements connected
work is all about movement, pressure, force and sudden together to make the sum of the whole. Once the
changes in speed and tempo. Its meant to take you multiple drawings are assembled, the real work begins. I
on a journey and alter your perspective depending on follow the basic structure of the assembly and then Im
your unique human filter and your life experiences. instructed step by step as to what new components need
My Dynamic Abstraction is intended to be completely to be added or what existing ones need to be taken away.
experiential. Your experience with it will be entirely Often times when Im painting a mural I have to stop,
different from someone elses. The Spirit that is behind place my hand on the wall and pray for further instruction.
my work is living and active, cutting between bone and My pieces are spiritually draining. They require total
marrow. Its not for everyone, but those whom are drawn concentration and commitment to be done in the right
to it will most likely continue to be, while it may grow on way. Most of the time Im left dissatisfied or unimpressed
those that hate it or dont understand it. but its not about me or what I feel. Its all about cause and
effect.
BBB: You also cite engineering, avionics and
schematics as inspirations of your work, what is BBB: You represent the infamous CBS (Cant Be
it about these fields that help push your artistic Stopped) Crew, what is the crews origins and how did
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you come to join? athttp://cantbestoppedthemovie.com/
MEDIAH: CBS and MEDIAH was always destiny. KYM BBB: With spring well underway now in Toronto,
CBS started the process and ANGER CBS completed it what can our readers expect from MEDIAH
with the recommendation of ROVE CBS and AFEX CBS throughout the rest 2017 and onward?
from the Canadian chapter. The connection started way
back in 2000 at the Wall Street Meeting in Wiesbaden, MEDIAH: Im working a on a major solo exhibition for
Germany. I met some key members there and again in October of this year and Im putting my all into it. Ill
2004 during the Meeting of Styles jam in Los Angeles. be painting numerous murals and releasing a brand new
The crew just released an incredible documentary about inventory of hybrid pieces in the coming months. Lots of
the crews origins and legacy. You can check it out new work to come....God willing.
www.mediahstudio.com | instagram: @mediah
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JEFF
MANCILLA
Jeff Mancilla is a total beast behind the
lense, taking by far some of the most
brilliant photos weve seen to date.
Mancilla totally immerses himself with

the graffiti culture, which not only lends
itself to being extremely respected as
a photographer of the craft, but also
snapping some of the most candid and
raw photos in the game.
There are many graffiti photographers out

there these days and we can say without
question, few people do it half as well as
Mr. Mancilla.
His composition, subject matter and vision

far surpasses what the majority of us can
fathom with using a camera.
With a well deserved extensive feature on

Mancillas work, well let the master take
it from here.
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INSTAGRAM: @jeff_mancilla_
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SHOK
As a publication that is deeply rooted in
Canadian graffiti, it goes without saying
that SHOK is one of the most well known
and iconic figures in the east coast scene.
Weve been dying for months to get him to

bless our magazine and were ecstatic to
interview him, as it truly is a dream come
true.
With one of the most fresh, vibrant and

recognizable styles in the game, SHOK
hasnt missed his mark on a burner over
the duration of his two decade career.
SHOKs letter structure is second to none

and always manages some of the most
extremely clever mural concepts with his
crew, he is without a doubt one of the
most influential writers on the east coast.
Were honoured to have a feature with the

beast from La Belle Province, and hyped
to showcase some of his recent work that
are sure to please both legal and illegal
graffiti artists alike.
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Bizarre Beyond Belief: Youve been a graffiti artist Asik, Gero, Erock etc.) guys were from. Flow T.A. also
for a number of years, what was your first interaction had a real strong presence on the roof tops and other
with the culture and what sparked you to start strategic spots in the area. By the time I started writing
painting? myself, I was about thirteen. Starting to learn and discover
about the scene, spots, history etc. I took it all in. This is
SHOK: I clearly remember going downtown Montreal when J.K.R. (Stack, Maink, Cesk, Dab), S.V.C. (Case,
when I was real young and noticing bombing. Were Beam, deStar) and other ill writers like Zeck, Cast or
talking early 90s here so graffiti was pretty much just Diske just to name a few, really stood out in my mind.
starting in the city. My Pops is an artist himself, so I was
already into drawing and stuff. He had the crazy euro BBB: What was the overall vibe of the scene and
comic album collection and all kinds of drawing pencils culture at the time and how has the public perception
and markers hed let me use when I was around. Hed shifted since then?
also bring me and my brother to the museum once in a
while, so I know my interest in art comes from him. As SHOK: I guess it used to be a pretty closed scene back
a kid, for some reason I was always attracted to letters then. The older dudes gave a hard time to the younger and
and would draw Baseball team logos or big cartoon titles, nobody was welcome until theyve put in enough work,
so when I started noticing graff, I saw it as drawing so which to me always made sense since its a competitive
it automatically caught my attention. I would mostly sport. Thats how natural selection would be made - ha,
encounter graffiti around the red light district of the city, ha! But all jokes aside, good values were handed down. I
where the D.T.C. (Sike, Soak, Santi) and the A.T.C (Ever, think I learned from the best, when style was the priority
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and writers could do it all. All around writers. The fact Only a handful of writers come from here, which is a
that it was something underground definitely attracted good thing because we have the spots all for ourselves.
me. Not everybody on the block was up on it. These days, Cats are too lazy to come up here to paint!
graffiti is certainly not as underground, but I believe a
fraction of it still is, but this is because I dont consider BBB: With many graffiti artists still holding true to
street-art, mural festivals or spray painting classes a part graffiti roots like racking and illegal spots, what is
of the culture Im in. Im into abandoned spots and train your take on these things?
tracks, painting and having a couple beers with good
people. The public perception probably didnt change SHOK: Whatever floats your boat man, these are things
much when it comes to that kind of stuff! that are definitely part of the game. This culture will teach
you street smarts, and ways to get in and out of places or
BBB: You have a strong presence in Montreal but we situations. Just dont let it slow you down in whatever else
see you represent Ahuntsic really hard, what would youre trying to achieve in life. If keeping it real only gets
you say the difference between the locations are? you a free gore-tex jacket and pending court cases, then
youre fucking up. My outlook on graff changed in the
SHOK: Ha, ha! Its part of Montreal. Ahuntsic is just the last couple of years, getting older and having more and
neighborhood Im from. Its located at the north end of the more responsibilities. I cant be running around all night
city, all the way up St-Laurent Boulevard. I grew up here, wildin because I have to go to work in the morning, but
left when I was about 19, then came back a couple years Im still out there painting a whole lot and I can afford all
ago and settled down. I never stopped reppin it though! the paint I want, travel, go on road trips etc. Dont get me
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wrong, painting illegally is what I love most, I just go for concrete, brick, with new textures and new environments
the safer spots now! surrounding it. As for commercial murals, I didnt want
my professional life to be a derivative of my passion, so
BBB: Do you feel that graffiti artists can display in unless its a quick easy money gig, Ill slide it to one of
galleries and work with big companies and retain their my boys. When it comes to credibility, I dont think you
credibility? can take away the (graffiti) work somebodys done in their
career because of their day job. The stats stay the same!
SHOK: Sure, if thats how you earn a living and you
enjoy it than why not. Just dont call it graffiti because BBB: You also represent the infamous SIK (So Ill
its not. People seem to get real confused about this. Kids) Crew, can you tell us how that formed and you
Graffiti, street-art and fine art are 3 complete different have seen it expand over the years?
things, belonging to different places. Some of my boys
do art as a full-time job and they enjoy it, so good for SHOK: So this year marks the 20th anniversary of the
them! Personally, I chose not go down that path because crew. Me and a friend started it when we were just
painting canvases is no fun to me. Im into painting beginning back in 1997. At some point, none of us were
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reppin it anymore, some of the members stopped writing can you tell us what your favorite places to paint are
altogether, me and Dock (rip) went on to be a part of and why?
H.Y.H. and Kers was now part of N.M.E. Then after that,
I was just solo for a while. And Im not into old crews SHOK: Wow there are so many places. I enjoy painting
with 150 members that dont know each other, because anywhere in the world. Going to a new country, new
it loses all its sense. So here I am years later, reppin city, new spots, meeting great people who share the same
S.I.K. by myself, and SKOR (Which is one of the OG interests, painting/partying with them and getting to
member from 97) makes a comeback after stopping for learn about their culture is all I ask for! One of the perks
like 10 years! This is around the time me and Narc started of writing graffiti is definitely developing a network of
painting together a lot, and I was also kickin it with my people around the world who will welcome you when
homie Tuna from around the way. So were chillin the 4 youll visit. Weve always been well received wherever
of us all the time now, painting too, it was only natural we went, so we return the favor when its their turn to
that Narc & Tuna become part of the crew. Skor is the come visit us. Recently the whole crew flew to Miami
motivator, hes always down for whatever. Week night during Art Basel to enjoy the warm weather and paint a
missions, road trips, travels, you name it. And he comes couple pieces. I also just came back from a crazy trip to
prepared as fuck, always trying to step it up a notch. Narc Puerto Rico and kicked it with the A.D.M. fam. We go
is the one with the ill ideas & concepts, opening my mind on a lot of road trips driving distance from Montreal like
making me try new shit when were painting. And Tuna, Quebec city, Ottawa or Sherbrooke as well. Im planning
he has that pure, real clean style with a strong structure to trips to NYC and Toronto this spring, and then Berlin
it. He makes it look real easy. I couldnt ask for more, this and Barcelona this summer. Its all about painting new
is truly a family. locations. Id rather not paint than always end up at the
same shitty spots where everybody goes!
BBB: Like many graffiti artists, youve painted in
various cities around North America and elsewhere, BBB: Have you ever traveled to a city or even just a
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spot that you found too sketchy to rock? healthy balance in my life.
Many, many times. But hey, not every mission is BBB: With that being said, how does your creative
successful. Lots of energy is spent on finding new process compare and contrast between the fields?
locations and most of them end up being too sketchy.
But scoping spots, clearing bushes, scraping walls and SHOK: I work in the fashion industry so it involves
even cutting trees down is part of this game. If Im out doing research to see whats trending out there. I guess
of town Ill usually trust the local cats on whats safe Im aware of the color trends or design trends, but I dont
and whats not. There are huge gaps on how regular think it influences my graffiti side that much. Like I said
people perceive graff around the world. Many countries I see my job and my passion as two complete different
have way bigger social issues they have to deal with, so things. I dont mix them up so ones not really gonna
they dont see graffiti as a negative thing like in North influence the other. To some extent I think that popular
America. It makes it easier to get away with much more culture influences my work, especially the 80s and 90s
painting in these places. aesthetic you could find in cartoons, ads or baseball cards
for example. Both fields involves creativity which I love,
BBB: As a practicing designer, how do you balance but the process is not the same.
work and spraying in your everyday life?
BBB: With spring almost upon us, what can our
SHOK: I basically work a full time week job as a graphic readers expect from SHOK in the coming months?
designer now, so my schedule is pretty steady. The
formula is simple: we mostly paint every single Saturdays Steady rocking! Im ready to go, geared up and
until its too cold to do so. Weve been doing this for everything! I have a little more time to devote to my craft
years now, so we dont need much planning. We choose this year, so I plan on putting in more work and step it up
a spot and wholl get the primer but thats pretty much a level. So bigger and better pieces to come! I will also
it, we keep it simple. No crazy concepts with ladders travel as much as I possibly can, livin it up and burning
and shit - pure classic graffiti! So instead of playing golf the candle at both ends while I still can!
on weekends, we go painting. I dont want to call it an
escape, but this is something I definitely need to keep that Thank you BBB! Keep it up!!
instagram: @__SHOKEY__
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SABEK
SABEK has been an artist weve been
watching for quite some time now and we
cant believe its taken this long to get him
in our publication.
An artist who truly has unlimited potential

and displays that everyday, he truly
deserves all of the accolades he receives.
SABEKs surreal and graphic murals are

some of the most beautiful pieces of art
our there in the world.
With a style that makes it incredibly easy

to merely glance and enjoy, there are
so many layers to each piece that it truly
takes the viewer a lot of time and intellect
to fully comprehend the work.
Wed like to extend a huge thank you

to SABEK for lending his photos to us to
share with our readers - this is definitely a
must-see feature.
B
B B
M
instagram: @sabeknonsense
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MEAR ONE
Theres few things we can say that you
probably havent heard about MEAR
ONE before - hes an absolute legend.
As a pioneer of the Los Angeles graffiti

scene hes been a household graffiti name
for decades and continues to raise the bar
every time he goes to work.
Beyond an extensive career in the

streets, MEAR ONE has worked making
installations and sculptures for some of
the biggest and brightest names in various
industries and has easily transcended a
number of different artistic mediums.
This interview has been a little while in the

making but we can honestly say its been
well worth the wait.
We cant even express what a privilege it

is to have him lend his words of wisdom
and let us present one of favourite
features we have ever published.
B
B B
M
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Bizarre Beyond Belief: As an artist pioneering the away with it. Graffiti is the voice of the dissatisfied soul
graffiti and mural culture in LA decades ago, what and we made sure it was heard.
was the culture like at this time?
BBB: How has the community and scene of this
MEAR ONE: Back when I first started tagging and doing culture transformed since you began creating?
graffiti LA was a wild west in the modern sense. I rode
buses across the LA urban sprawl in pursuit of vandalism M1: The beginnings of this scene was very pure and
and adventure. We stole our Krylon spray paintand used defined by the singular desire to rebel. Nowadays,
the alleyways to practice piecing and wild style lettering. however, it seems kids get into this art form to increase
This was prior to the 1992 LA Riotsand the attitude and their social media hype and fame for profit. Sometime in
behavior of the Angeleno youth at that time was defined the new millennium, graffiti became co-opted by these
by gang and graffiti culture, creating a massive youth parasitic market principles and diverged into what we
social uprising - half of it was fueled by creativity while now know today as street art. The current street art scene
the other half was enraged by the lack of accountability feels kinda sick and incestuous and submits to popularity
this system had to offer. My crewand I would spend all too easily, compared to the early days of graffiti when
entire nights walking the streets of LA, getting our tags vandalism and pioneering these art forms for the sake
and throw-ups up, sharpening our style, looking to get and enjoyment of it was the order of the day. Graffiti
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had a very positive impact on me because it provided interpret right now cut across all lines of politics, race,
unique training grounds to help build a certain strength of class, gender, borders, freedom, privacy, it is confused,
character, showing me what and how I am an individual its identity is lost. Many seem to be paralyzed in their
distinct from the homogenized safety art scene.I own soma of cognitive dissonance. However, something
realized back then a certain wisdom that still holds true is brewing.More and more people are growing impatient
for me today, which is thatI create conscious art for and I do notice a vast number of people opening up to
conscious people. This awakening, so to speak, cut me more conscious living and figuring out what the fuck
away from the herd mentality to where now Im able to is going on around here. Most exciting is the number
critically and objectively view the world at large without of people who have woken up to my art. After 9/11, I
the popular filter. seemed to suffer a decade of struggle, disassociation, and
abandonment from some friends and work colleagues.
BBB: Do you feel the public reception of the culture People thought I was either being too extreme or simply a
has swayed or changed? conspiracy nut. It was around 2011 though, after a decade
of healing from previous years, that I decided to put my
M1: I think the public reception of theculture mirrors dog back in the fight and started creating murals on the
culture itself in that it is splintered in multiple ways. street that mimicked my studio work, carrying the same
Currently, I see a stark divide between the awoken and value, message, and thought to inspire the enlightenment
the asleep masses, distinguished by ones ability and of everyone viewing. I was pushing heavy subject matter,
desire to discern fact from fiction, that which is real everything from the chemtrails we see in our skies to the
versus the fake and fleeting. The public is a wild beast to bankster cartels ruling our lives and how the big pharma
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companies are profiting off poisonous foods like GMOs, and like I stated earlier, graffiti is the voice of the
so this was my stab at waking people up. Of course, the dissatisfied soul. Simultaneously, I had been observing
grand irony is that what was once conspiracy has now the hi-brow art scene becoming very bland and shi shi;
been proven true, an open secret to the initiated, and while the Soul of the World was desiring more. I believe Art
its great to see the public reception of my contribution as an entity decided to invest Her time in the Hood and
to this culture of truth, protest, and rebellion gradually allow Youth - young black and latinos, asian immigrants,
waking up, Im also left dumfounded as to where along with poor white kids - their space to shine, giving
everyone was a decade or two decades ago, where did them the key to creativity for the first time in art history.
everybody go? History would be defined by the under dog and its time
was now. It manifested itself right where the rich and
BBB: How would you describe the similarities and privileged would not go. It took nearly 30 years of
differences between graffiti art and fine art? underground culture to penetrate the American household
and take hold of all its young. So now we have street art
M1: I always thought there was a difference between and social media and everything is hunky-dory, right?
fine-art and graffiti art until I came to understand the Not quite. There is a repercussion to this retroism, which
bigger picture coalescing in the age of graffiti. It started is that anytime you copy or take from the original source
out back in the 1970s when economic depression and youre bound to lack the integrity of its original content
environmental degradation ran rampant through Our and meaning. In a nutshell, this new remake of an older
streets. We were becoming a ghetto all across America art form has no balls, no pun intended. Its like a sad,
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cute teddy bear sliding down a melting rainbow kind of BBB: How would you describe graffiti arts
reality that these mindless replicants have constructed, significance in your development not only as an artist,
but they forgot to open their eyes, their minds eye, to but as an individual?
become critical and present. I cant see much authenticity
in the scene right now, no motivations of a real-lived M1: Graffiti is an act of Anarchy and it has helped me to
experience, unlike us graffiti kids had, to create art that grow as my own man by teaching me how not to follow
depicts or inspires a conversation about the true nature anyone but my own inspiration. The want to express ones
and quality of our lives and where we have come from as own unique brand of freedom and ideas is the spirit of
a human race, where are we now, where are we headed. graffiti and as I grew as a studio painter I continued on
So is there a difference between graffiti art and fine art? with that philosophy, from vandalizing the public space to
The only difference I see in these art forms is the artist, is vandalizing the mind and traditional ideologies with my
he/she awake? paintings. That might be a stretch for some, but reality is
subjective and how you describe it is key in understanding
BBB: Do each respective field feed off of each other how you function in it. Graffiti showed me how to think
or do they remain their own separate beast in your for myself and that I dont need to ask for permission
practice? from anyone, no so-called expert nor self-proclaimed
purveyor of the scene, it is all within my own free right to
M1: For any artist, working in any field or medium, do as I may. If it resonates with some, great. If it resonates
I suppose I always ask: where are you coming from, with a larger some, even better. Now, my actions are a
what do you have to say? If theirresponse is worthy of different story and require a deeper level of respect for
conversation then I dont see why any divisionsshould life to be a true artist. What do I mean by that. Well, if
exist inthe first place. Inmany respects art for me is the act of creating is a relationship between thought and
apenetrating study into the history of ideas. Right now action then what is required is love and insight to translate
theres a lot of misdirection about said ideas, and that the ideas in your mind into their truest form,to become
trickles down to the substanceand quality of the art that is something wondrous, objective, sublime, and free of
produced. value judgements. I feel that the generation I grew up
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in valued freedom and art over the superficial and I still BBB: Symbolism plays a large role in your work, what
define my life by these principles. is the major significance of this imagery?
BBB: With extremely well rendered and detailed M1: I believe symbols are part and parcel of an ancient
work on the street, what led you to painting figurative language that spread across the planet many millennia
and surreal work as opposed to lettering generally ago. The idea that we may have been an advanced
associated with traditional graffiti? global culture fascinates me to no end and through my
independent studies and psychedelic journeys I have
M1: I eventually grew out of the consistent repetition my witnessed countless moments of powerful symbolism and
peers were manifesting as graffiti artists when I began meaning downloading into my consciousness, leaving
seeing a much wider spectrum of vision, which letters me energized to interpret these meanings through words
could not express. I still love to trickmy pieces, but when and paint. These symbols are ways of compacting vast
I can tell a narrative or show a view people are missing amounts of information into a glyph that is associated
in their everyday lives that brings me greater joy. I had to with many other components of visual language to
evolve beyond what I started out doing though. Its like communicate a new level of understanding and universal
a kid growing up in the city, never having travelled his truth. If you think about it, the parameters and shape
whole life, whether physically or mentally, and so is left of our alphabet are exactly that, albeit a more primitive
only knowing a narrow perspective stuck within the same version; it gives form to recognizable icons in our
horizon, the same plane of existence. consciousness that encapsulates the resonant meaning in
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our lives. Symbols have the ability to encompass an entire through every mainstream media source out there. I have
conversation, they are ideas that connect us to power chosen to follow people on the internet I personally have
-knowledge is power, symbols are knowledge. And so learned to trust and receive my news from and find myself
what we have is this idea that language can be understood left of left politically; in fact, I dont subscribe to political
as an advanced design, an art form in itself derived from a parties any longer because I see that they are all full of,
higher order whose symmetryand beauty are undeniable. well, shit.As a political artist Im metaphorically painting
a red X over ideas that I feel are important as well worthy
BBB: As an American artist who incorporates modern of conversation and have decided that it is more important
politics in your work, what is your take on the current to understand our world, to decipher and re-examine
political landscape in your country? the facts before running off and supporting one sport
team over another. But being political and subscribing
M1: The politics of this country have shown themselves to politics are two different things and knowing and
to be a complete flop and failure on every level. I liken understanding terms and words like freedom are
it to the worst, most brute display of sportsmanship and essential to our survival. Recently, I have been deepening
competition you can imagine and if youre into that kind my philosophical thinking on the anarchist, agorist,
of shit it will make you go mad. The left wing is attached voluntarist movements of the counterculture era, as well
to the right wing by a body full of shit with no head, no my own spiritual development so that I might help others
brain, a mindless puppet sellout to the highest bidder.The too. But first we need to fix ourselves before we can help
co-option is real and big right now, and its happening someone else.
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BBB: What is your philosophy on juxtaposing these BBB: With many successful years under your belt,
ideologies with the surreal and supernatural in your what can readers and fans expect fromMearOne in
work? the upcoming years?
M1: The surreal and supernatural are ways of expressing M1: Im working on a follow up body of work to my
a kind of fractal even though the way I express them may previous series of paintings,Cognitive Dissonance,
not always be in a repetitious, geometrical form. It may be that I released in 2015 calledCognitive Resonance. It
in a visionary sense based in a narrative, but the process is is exploringthe deep myth of our roots of civilization,
a derivative of some underlying truth about, for example, interpreting through paint the mythological stories
our political structure and those who rule over us, similar we humans wrote, and the connection I feel in
to an avatar or archetype. Patterns and myth intertwine my life through these various myth and archetype
to express what still life cannot and it is this multiplicity withrelationship to the universe. Who am I and what
of life Im trying to capture in my work. I always see am I doing here? Where could our future take us with
situations on a plethora of levels and hope to recreate this new hindsight, a perspective methodologically
this mental vision and leave the viewer informed as well backed by reinterpreting our past without the obfuscation
interested and engaged. and oppression of fact by the institutional elite aka
Quackademics. Along with that Im compiling my
BBB: As an artist whos created work for massive first monograph chronicilizing my art lineage and
musical artists, how does working with different other writings, all informed by my current obsession
creative types affect your creative process? in obtaining firsthand experience, through travel and
psychedelic journeys of the mind, of these various
Working with extremely talented people is one of the high mysteries, confronting the corruption of the ruling
moments in life because it is a space in which you get systems, all while reconnecting the hidden human
to expand your view and sometimes redefine it through experience. This journey of mine started out by trying to
positive building between two creative individuals. It describe what was the rarest, deepest source of knowledge
also is an affirmation that all the hard work is paying that has sustained, been retained throughout time, finding
off. Music is one of the fundamental keys to enjoying causation and connection to the current problems in our
life; all the years working with hip-hop and the LA political realm, reminiscent of an era when magic and
underground to mega bands like Guns N Roses only science were one in the same. This alchemical pursuit
adds richness and perspective to my process.I have been brings a metaphysical energy source into ones life,
connecting recently with people Ive been interested in for promoting the idea that our current leadership doesnt
decades now in the field of physics, philosophy, politics. know shit and that what they do know is top secret and
archeology, spirituality, and anarchy all in the desire not extended to us for our interpretation; ever calling
to grow through the wisdoms these wonderful humans out the charlatans and searching for that inner-magician,
have to impart. Im just glad my circle of inspiration is describing the unspoken and unseen aspects of an artists
widening. life.
www.mearone.com | instagram: @mearone
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BIZARRE BEYOND BELIEF ERNEST DOTY DEE SKULLS

JEFF MANCILLA MEDIAH

Bizarre Beyond Belief is a bi-monthly digital

Disclaimer: Some of the content on this site may

All requests and inquiries to:

Cover: Mear One | Back Cover: MEDIAH

SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS:

Not only only is Doty a brilliant

With a personality that is larger than life

We have been working on this feature for

Rooted in street-art and graffiti, Blot

Though Blot creates brilliant work in

With a unique technique and aesthetic

An undoubtedly hard-working and

website: www.sashablot.com | instagram: @sashablot

BRUNO SMOKY | PHOTO: HALOPIGG

CHRIS KONECKI | PHOTO: HALOPIGG

Dee Skulls is a creative individual in all

With an all-systems-go attitude to every

From his whimsical creatures to his dark

With all that being said, well quit the

With little information accessible about

BIPs work ranges from clever pop-culture

One thing that we do know for certain is

If you havent heard of BIP yet, we can

WEBSITE: www.bipgraffiti.com | INSTAGRAM: @BIP_GRAFFITI

MEDIAH has easily been one of the most

Beyond painting walls, MEDIAH has

We were absolutely blessed to

BBB: We often hear the term post-graffiti used by developments?

you come to join? athttp://cantbestoppedthemovie.com/

www.mediahstudio.com | instagram: @mediah

Mancilla totally immerses himself with

There are many graffiti photographers out

His composition, subject matter and vision

With a well deserved extensive feature on

Weve been dying for months to get him to

With one of the most fresh, vibrant and

SHOKs letter structure is second to none

Were honoured to have a feature with the

An artist who truly has unlimited potential

SABEKs surreal and graphic murals are

With a style that makes it incredibly easy

Wed like to extend a huge thank you

As a pioneer of the Los Angeles graffiti

Beyond an extensive career in the

This interview has been a little while in the

We cant even express what a privilege it

www.mearone.com | instagram: @mearone

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