Horus works on canvas

 

 

 

Works on the street

 

 

 

 

 

Horus.tcc.sip.base

Previously known as Wymp, Cyclops, Fuz, and many other brief alius's, I have been writing graffiti since 97, although there is also a few years earlier that I was spraying my names illegally, but I really don't count my graffiti career as starting until I began respecting and understanding the art of graffiti in a more serious context. Frankly those first few years I'd like to forget, if they weren't the basis for what I have built since.

I began drawing at an early age, and always had a passion for art and creativity, but it was not until my teen years that I actually began thinking about art as more than just a hobby. The idea that a career could exist in art was quite unthinkable for some time. I always felt, or perhaps had just learnt/observed that artists are the starving type of folk who don't really work, or ever make any money until they have passed on..Throughout highschool I began taking interest in more creative classes; finding the standard subjects, math, english, and science, to be somehow not worth my time or interest. I began looking towards a life as an architect or draftsman for my future. Unfortunately by series of life events I was unable to continue following that educational direction. I moved from school to school during my senior years and found it hard to dedicate to something that was not stable(school), eventually the reality of my chosen interests became clear, I had fallen out of that loop. When I finally managed to complete highschool, I had been introduced to a new culture. Based around the rave scene and more urban influences, I was led towards computer design, and graphic design. I decided to enroll in the graphic design program of several Toronto colleges, and again fate kept me from going in that direction. By a matter of being lost in paperwork, and having a fragmented and thus less than preferred grade standing I was accepted only at Georgian college in the graphic design program. Attending school in Barrie Ontario, I found myself traveling to any place south of there, attracted to the larger urban lifestyle of Toronto. I managed to complete my first year of the graphic design program, and simultaneously became more and more connected to the Toronto Rave scene, and at the end of the school year, moved to Toronto to take a hiatus from college and "gain real world skills" that would help me achieve my creative career goals.

I in reality drugs and partying became a way of life, and the real life skills I learned were not so design specific. What I did learn was an appreciation for urban culture, art, music, and most importantly, self direction or " the entrepreneurial spirit". Now as I look back I am glad about the choices I made, and the paths my life has taken. These experiences led me to find my true passion - art.

I spent about 5 years partying and slowly learning about graffiti, by observing, analyzing and practicing what I had learnt daily. Many a sleepless night (coming down) were spent drawing and building skills. I found a pride in the appreciation of my work by others around me, and I credit a lot of my current success to the close friends who gave me so much encouragement.
Slowly I became confidant enough to produce commissioned pieces for friends, who also were becoming a part of the local culture. Merely by word of mouth and being contributing part of the local scene I began building contacts and a portfolio of work.

During this period I began producing artworks on canvas, and again building clients and portfolio work. I still gain most satisfaction from creating art for people to enjoy. I have participated in several group shows and have had 2 solo shows. My experiences with graffiti and rave events led towards the forming of Style in Progress, an event which currently holds my attention and most of my time, although I am always creating more works on canvas and continue to exhibit, albeit less frequently.

Currently I am acting Art Director for Style in Progress events (www.styleinprogress.ca), and Base gallery (www.basegallery.ca). As a founding member of S.I.P.( a registered not-for-profit organization) I am also a participating board member.
Over the last 3 years I have kept building my portfolio of street art, graphic design, canvas works, and added a few new skills, such as grant writing and curation. My work with S.I.P. and Base Gallery have created new opportunities for me as well. I am now involved with other non-profit and community groups as well as being considered a consultant (informally) to the City of Toronto in matters of graffiti art, and graffiti transformation.

I plan to continue on my path of creative based careers, where I will end up, I don't really know. My experiences in the gallery setting have inspired me to take my art to a higher stage, and I would be quite happy to simply paint for the rest of my life. The old concern of being a starving artist who only makes his successors rich, is no longer an issue. Perhaps this will be the case, but I will be richer in life having lived it my way.

Horus-writing is my passion.(wimp)