Hey Juxtapoz, PaperMonster, et al, want a stencil issue!
PaperMonster, an artist featured in my book "Stencil Nation," loves stencils. I didn't know him or his work until he saw my call for art submissions all over the place. I think he answered all of my interview questions, sent a pile of great photos, and was even one of the few teachers who sent stencil workshop photos and text. His work, along with a few other artists who submitted great photos, was featured throughout the book, though he was not a featured artist. Why? Because he is a typical stencil artist: obsessed with cut paper and spray paint. In love with the tools as well as the final output. For that, we are brothers in negative space. Also, PaperMoster is a super nice guy, which stencil artists tend to be. That's one reason why I put "community" in my subtitle. We try hard to be nice to each other.
While traveling the past few days, I saw that PaperMonster started a campaign to get Juxtapoz to have a special stencil issue. I have to admit, I have never really gotten the Juxtapoz scene. They're here in SF, and they always seem to marginalize stencil work. White Walls on Polk St., and other galleries, usually curate the stencil shows. I'm a gallery dork, usually missing shows, or quietly taking photos of everything. And when I curate shows, they're usually on the fringes of the gallery scene, in DIY spaces, with radical politics, and making no money. But when it comes to business, and making money, UpperPlayground (the company who produces Juxtapoz) has things dialed. So I wasn't surprised when Juxtapoz had a huge Banksy "Exit" movie preview down in the Mission, and I had no idea about it. I am not even on their email list, or VIP email list, which isn't anything to get beefed about. But they love Banksy, and promoted the hell out of his movie here in SF. A week after, I saw it with a full house opening night, which was fun. I had to work during the preview anyway!
I maybe buy one issue of Juxtapoz a year, over at Al's Comics. And as far as magazines go, Hi-Fructose is much better (and publisher/artist Attaboy has all my respect), but I don't buy that one either.
So PaperMonster wants a stencil issue. And Juxtapoz seems to think that Banksy is the only stencil artist out there. Overspray tried to be a stencil mag and couldn't fill their pages with enough content (or keep the production on schedule and funded). Juxtapoz doesn't even seem to feature stencil artists who get solo gallery shows. What to do?
Well, PaperMonster has a plan. And here it is. Juxtapoz has already said "not interested" which might be all the fuel you all need to tell them to get interested. I'd at least like to see street art magazines mentioning artists who cut and paint. That'd be nice......
I would LOVE to see Juxtapoz Magazine create a special Stencil Art Issue or Book!!
As PaperMonster I want nothing more than to continue to promote the use of stencils whether you are a stencil artists or just someone who wants to use stencils as tool in your paintings or home. I feel that there is no better time than today to document how artists all over the world are using stencils to share their messages or just create something beautiful. That is what has brought me to create this new goal to encourage Juxtapoz Magazine to create a Special Stencil Art Issue. In the past Juxtapoz has created special issues highlighting New York Graffiti, Street Art, and several other themes but never a Stencil Art Issue.
With your help hopefully we can make this a reality!!!
HERE IS WHAT YOU CAN DO!!
Send the following email to these Juxtapoz contacts:
editor@juxtapoz.com, evan@juxtapoz.com, jeremy@juxtapoz.com, erin@juxtapoz.com, william@juxtapoz.com
(copy/paste entire email list)
Subject: Juxtapoz Stencil Issue Initiative
(copy/paste into subject bar)
(copy/paste below into body of email) and SEND!!!
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Hello Juxtapoz Magazine
I am writing because I support PaperMonster’s initiative to work towards a special Juxtapoz Magazine Stencil Art/Graffiti issue or book concept similar to previous special issues/books that you have released on graffiti, street art issues, dark arts, and tattoo books. There is no better time than now to highlight the power and beauty that the stencil art movement has today. A Stencil Art/Graffiti Issue or Book Concept is a wonderful step forward for Juxtapoz Magazine as one of the
leaders of art world. I am interested in this idea and hope that it is something we can see in the near future. Thank you for your time.
(copy/paste below into body of email) and SEND!!!
Send this link to your friends, family, or anyone you know who would love to see this truly happen. I want to thank you for your help with all my heart! If you would like to know more about my ideas for the issue or just send words of encouragement for the initiative send an email to v@papermonster.org
-PaperMonster
