Back in our first week of painting CYCLE TC5 was on the
roof. We took the chance to ask him a couple of questions
about his graff and this years piece for the Rooftop Legends show.
RTL: How did you get into graffiti, and how many years have
you been writing for?
CYCLE: I started seriously writing in 1989. I got into it from just
seeing it around in my environment, places I would hang out at
or go skateboarding at or along the train lines. This was the days
before the internet, you had to figure it out for yourself. I was always
into art since I was a little kid and graffiti looked like it was more fun
than High School art class.
RTL: Where are you from and how did you wind up in NYC?
CYCLE: I am from Connecticut originally. I grew up about an hour
or so from the city. The Metro North commuter trains came right to
where I lived so I was always taking the train down into the city since
I was a kid. Going to Mets games, going to record shops, skateboarding,
hanging out, etc. I have lived in Washington DC and San Francisco
as well for school but some how I always wind up back in NYC.
I guess so much of what I grew up with is based around this city it just
feels right being here.
RTL: You seem to be involved in a bunch of other creative areas -
was this all a direct progression for you?
CYCLE: I am not sure if "direct progression" is the right term,
it was more like a drunken stumble.
RTL: What can you tell us about this years piece for the Rooftop
Legends show?
CYCLE: It makes a sound like this....."Arrrghhhhhh"
RTL: Anything else you'd like to add - new projects, news etc?
CYCLE: New projects?....uh, I don't know....I guess falling down,
getting up, trying again kinda stuff.... making it up as I go along,
Something always seems to pop up. Just keep painting and looking
for a nice warm spot in the sunshine to lay down and daydream.
RTL: Thanks!
