Fiveohfive

My name is Matt. I am a program manager, an amateur photographer, and an avid Wikipedia user. In my work I do a considerable amount of technical writing: project management plans, software requirements specifications, user stories, strategy documents, process narratives, change management plans, etc. In other words, I write straightforward, factual, non-personal, well-researched, non-gratuitous papers. While this writing helps pay the bills (which I greatly appreciate), it does not allow for much creative thought nor give me opportunities to write about personally interesting topics. I like writing. I like writing about topics that interest me. After being a Wikipedia user for many years it occurred to me that I could put my writing skills to use while being creative AND writing about personally interesting topics by contributing to Wikipedia. My hobby is photographing street art and graffiti; I intend to write primarily about the art, the artists who make it, and the projects that showcase it.

Origin

I began photographing street art in 2013 during a vacation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil . My family and I visited the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden. The road that runs along the southeastern edge of the garden grounds is aptly named Rua Jardim Botânico. A long wall runs along the road and on that wall some of Rio’s best street artists and graffiti writers showcase their work. I had the opportunity to photograph the art along that wall during my stay in Rio and from that day forward I was hooked.

Street art and graffiti can be found in every city and town from large to small. Since 2013 I have made time to photograph street art and graffiti in every city and town I have visited, setting aside at least one day to pursue my hobby, my passion, or as my wife would say, my obsession. During my travels I have been fortunate to photograph street art in some beautiful European cities including Paris, Barcelona, Minsk, Saint Petersburg, Vienna, and Istanbul. I have traveled from coast-to-coast in my home country of the United States shooting art in the boroughs of New York City, Jersey City, San Francisco, San Diego, Albuquerque, Denver, New Orleans, Miami, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Richmond, Burlington, and extensively in my home city of Washington, DC and the surrounding metro area.

I have met many artists either by chance or intent during my time photographing their work. I have volunteered to support local mural projects and had the opportunity to assist with some of the artists’ murals. Every artist I have met had an interesting story to tell, audibly and visually.

Motivation

My passion for street art and graffiti is my main driver to accurately memorialize the stories and history of the artists who created the broad variety of urban art. I do not get paid to take my photographs nor do I charge artists when I send them copies if they ask. Likewise, I do not seek payment nor praise for recounting their stories. My intent in contributing to Wikipedia is to enhance existing street artists’ pages with factual statements based on my experience or research and to contribute my photographs when they enhance the pages.

I consult Wikipedia frequently to learn more about artists whose work I have photographed. One artist is mentioned frequently in books and films about early New York graffiti and his influence on the rich and colorful world of street art and graffiti is lauded. However, he does not yet have a Wikipedia page. The artist is the graffiti writer called BLADE. He is notable but not yet noted in this most comprehensive online encyclopedia.

Disclosure(s)

BLADE (Graffiti Artist)

This user has publicly declared that they have a conflict of interest regarding the Wikipedia article BLADE (Graffiti Artist).

I met Blade (a.k.a. Steven Ogburn) and his wife Portia one time on 8 June 2019 at a small event during which Blade was participating in a panel discussion with other street artists about the evolution of graffiti and street art and the panelists’ respective roles, influences, and experiences. I photographed the artists as they did live post-event painting. I developed a friendly rapport with Mrs. Ogburn at the event and later through direct message chats, telephone discussions, and I have purchased artwork from Blade.

Mrs. Ogburn has been a helpful resource by providing information about Blade’s history, exhibitions, and book mentions. Blade’s influence and impact on New York City graffiti, an appreciation of his art, a respect for history, and my desire to become a Wikipedia contributor are my motivators to create Blade’s Wikipedia page.

Neutrality

I independently verify and validate all stories and references using my personal experience (via travel to the cities and encounters with artists), my collection of books on the subject, library resources, online resources, and contacts with other experts on the history of graffiti. I do not work for any artists nor anyone who represents the artists; I do not receive any compensation from artists. I am simply an appreciative fan, an art collector, and a photojournalistic documenter of art on walls, trains, and other surfaces.

I have read the getting started guide, links within it, and the conflict of interest guide and feel confident that I can write about the history of Blade (and other artists) with objectivity, stating facts, avoiding fluff and marketing jargon, and citing reputable, reliable, independent references.

Invitation

I welcome and encourage feedback from experienced Wikipedia editors on the structure, tone, and content of the page (or any edits / pages I create in the future) and look forward to learning and growing through the process of contributing to Wikipedia about street art, graffiti, and the artists who make it.