Micro-Graffiti and an Interview with 'Dersk One' Graffiti Artist Extraordinaire

Dersk One is the ultimate name in Micro-Graffiti today. His work and story are amazing testaments to an art form labeled as both notorious and genius. Graffiti is the single most historic form of art traveling back as far as the cave man. Dersk One has found his niche in this world of art, from his humble beginnings as a kid, exploring what a can of paint was capable of - to what has now become his life passion. Dersk is ever exploring his art form, the newest medium for it, Micro-Graffiti.

Dersk has taken his graffiti from painting rows of rail cars to an art form, in some cases no bigger than a fingernail, with the same extraordinary detail and styling that is synonymous with his name.

There are varying opinions among all artists, no matter the medium, on whether to stay true to your art and be discovered or not, and whether to go commercial or mainstream with the risk of perhaps having that commercial world dictate to some extent their expectations of the artist's expression.

Dersk prefers custom work to commercial, though he admits he would not be opposed to presenting limited edition reproductions of his work. He chooses to remain in full control of his artistic destiny.

Interview with Dersk One by Loraine Alkire of LaHipchic.blogspot.com

LaHipChic: What was the funniest thing that ever happened to you in your life as a graffiti artist?
Dersk One: Hmmm, well I think the funniest thing was when I was arrested in Oakland for graffiti; the cops used my camera and took a picture of me, without my knowledge. I picked it up [the camera] from the property office. There I was in front of my piece and a cop writing a ticket, with me handcuffed on the tracks. See Actual Photo Here

LaHipChic: How do you feel about people that just spray paint on walls with no artistic thought?
Dersk One: I don't think it's valid in any way, shape or form, but in actuality that's how we all started, picking up a marker or spray can and just seeing what it could do, so I can't actually say anything bad it just gives everything done with a spray can a bad name. I think with the abundance of Graffiti art online and the way companies have really embraced spray paint science we can stop writing senseless graffiti on walls and start to progress this to a fully accepted art form.

LaHipChic: What is the greatest piece you think you have done so far? Moreover, are you ever satisfied as an artist?
Dersk One: You know after I walk away from something, sign it and take a photo; I have to be satisfied with it at some point. Either someone is going to go over it [paint over it] it at some point or I will later on, so I think there is a point in which I am satisfied, though as far as form and style I am never satisfied. There is always a push to be better than the last piece or the next 'guy'. Especially with poetry, it never rests; it is always alive. I just finished a book, and worried about wanting to change it, I need to let the words rest on the paper for a while.
LaHipChic: Great Answer, I think artists, no matter the medium seem to feel that way.

LaHipChic: What about gangs and graffiti, are all graffiti artists gang members? What
is the difference between say the Crips and Bloods tagging their territory
and graffiti gang (group?)
Dersk One: Not all graffiti artists are gang members and not all gang members write graffiti...There is a difference in the artistic application of the medium to a surface. I think they have merit on some level, though costly and sometimes not so appealing to the eye. I would classify the graffiti produced by gang members one form of graffiti, and the type developed and crafted with numerous colors, a different
type. Though both are graffiti in a broad definition, they are equally different.

LaHipChic: How much have you studied the history of your graffiti genre? Are you
considering writing a book about it?
Dersk One: The history has been told time and again, from its inception [Dersk One's particular Style] around the early 70's on NY subways, to the present day. I would like to think that my history with graffiti art has been interesting and worthy of writing down one day, but it is constantly evolving and being rewritten. I guess I could keep a journal for now.

LaHipChic: Are there ways to be green or at least greener as a graffiti artist, obviously going micro is one way- how has paint technology improved for the sake of the environment and the artist's health?
Dersk One: Yes there are, most of the current companies producing paint these days are making a conscious effort to lower the amount of CFCs. I know you can recycle the empty spray cans I just do not know where to take them. There are numerous health hazards, but you have the option of wearing
gloves and purchasing a respirator to deal with the toxic chemicals.

LaHipChic: As far as tools go, are you old school? Do you use newer technologies to create? Do you use a microscope, etc for your micro-graffiti?
Dersk One: I guess in terms of newer technologies...I would say yes, there is spray paint that can accomplish a lot...different tips, better paint colors, fast drying, and all these add to the art on some level or another, they are just tools. I would even use a stock tip if that was the aesthetic I was going for in any particular piece...as for the micro stuff, I use the naked eye, I should however invest in one [a microscope] if I attempt to go any smaller.

LaHipChic: On a less serious note, as a writer or graffiti artist what would you like to say to our readers that will leave them with a smile on their face about 'art' in general or graffiti?
Dersk One: Narrow is the way, few is the number.......
LaHipChic: Thank you so much for your insights and for sharing your work with us Dersk One.

Dersk One was a pleasure to interview. He is a very mellow dude with a zeal for all things creative. If you'd like more information on how to reach him for custom work contact him at : Dersk One Flickr and see more great micro-graffiti photos. Kilroy was here but Dersk one is the here and now of the new graffiti world.