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"BatesOne" | 3/29/2003 | Mendez
The Great One: Batesone has been around and definitely got around. Having painted all over the world with some of the most well accepted sytled writers from being consistently up and active since 1986 to having an arsenal of styles himself this brother is a lifer. He also is one of the few writers who has recently had the oppurtunity to create his own color for a European aerosol paint brand. For those of you who havent seen one of Europe's most stylistic individuals we caught up with him in between one of his many tours.
How old were you and where were you when you first witnessed writings?
Old enuff.. I guess! I started out with electric boogie in 1984. I have to say the writings on the wall. The backgrounds of posters I saw of diff. movies caught my eyes. I started to wonder where it came from and slowly started out with a few outlines.. I was into drawing since I was a kid, so like everyone else I ran around and did tags here and there.I witnessed all the older writers get busy and I wanted to be as good as them. I was around but it wasnt until 1985 people started to notice my name be up. I hung out with older writers and learned the basics and started getting more and more into pieces...
Did you start then? and if not when?
I did my first tag and piece in 1984. In 1985 I got up and in 1986 I started writinig Bates..
Who were or are your influences?
Older writers like Goon, Shame, Freez and The Crime Crew, Kyle, Cres, Sketch, Whap Gang, Gangway, Week, Rezq... Man theres too many to mention. Best way to go back into time would be the book called Danish Wildstyle that came out of Denmark in 1985. Later on I would say Jap, Side, Rezen and Romance had an impact!.
What was it like growing up in the 80's in your area?
To tell you the truth I grew up with my mother and we were real poor. She always supported me with my graff. She was with me for my first piece... Believe that!
What do you miss the most about that era?
The 80's were fun,but its like a circle many of the things seems to come back again. Just look at the fashion, When i was walking around looking like a bboy with my addidas pro shelltops with fatlaces and training suit, people from my school throught I was funny looking. Now today I see them following the trend and have the same addidas on!!!!
Have you ever taken a break from the culture ? If so when and why?
Actually no, Im one of the few cats who has always been around and never stopped painting. I can show you photos of pieces from every year since 1985 till now. But of course some years and I was more busier than others.. Life gets in the way you know!
If not do you ever see yourself stepping down?
Hmmm...not really, I need this.!!.its like something is missing if im not out there putting my mark on society!
Walls or trains do you have a preference?
Nah not anymore, most important for me is the outcome of the pieces or tags. Im my worst critic you can always get better.... I paint whatever comes my way!
If you lived in NYC would you do clean trains?
I did clean trains in NYC already! If my peeps was down I would go every now and then..
Describe what if feels like to paint a train.
Hmmm its a rush, I'm always thinking will i get away with this? Will I be done with my outlines in time. I'm usually the first to finnish!
Where have your writings taken you?
Around the world, I believe Im one of the most traveled writers from my town. Ive been to Sweden, Norway, Finland, Holland, Germany, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Poland,Italy, Spain, Greece, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Mexico, USA, England, Ireland....
If you could pick 5 writers to put on a team to battle on a global scale for bragging rights including yourself, who would be the other 4 and why?
It depends on what kind of battle:
- Productions: Loomit, Daim, Seen and Mode2.
- Bombing: Chintz, Rens, Sabe, Twister.
- Stylewise: Dash167, Kane, Dondi, Zephyr.
- Chill stuff: Great, Side, Raide, Shame.
Would you rather battle or race for a line?
Battle for style and who is most up on the line.
Have you ever dabbled in any other elements of Hiphop?
Only electric boogie!
Future Plans...
Definitely more traveling. I would like to go to Brazil, Canada, Australia, Thailand.. Developing my site better. www.GreatBates.com. Doing some side projects incl. writing! I'll let you know when its out. Ive been working on it for the last three years!
Ok, I'm gonna list some terms and I want you to respond with one word only.
Style — Fingerprints
Master — Technique
Flow — Letters
Letters — Basics
Train — Stress
Love — Paint
Hate — Jealousy
Family — Important
NYC — History
Longevity — Me?
Family — Roots