Kunle Martins, downtown New York City All Roses, a book by Cheryl Dunn for Living Proof.

Barry McGee, TWIST: All Roses, a book by Cheryl Dunn for Living Proof. Barry McGee, known in the graffiti world as TWIST, is a highly influential American artist whose work bridges the gap between street art, graffiti, and fine art. Born in 1966 in San Francisco, California, McGee became a central figure in the Mission School art movement, which emerged in the 1990s and was characterized by its DIY ethos and social commentary. He studied at the San Francisco Art Institute (SFAI), where he earned a degree in painting and printmaking in 1991. However, even before his formal art education, McGee had already made a name for himself as TWIST, one of the most recognizable graffiti writers in the San Francisco Bay Area. McGee’s work is deeply influenced by the struggles of marginalized communities. His art often depicts disenfranchised characters, weary-looking men with drooping eyes, which serve as a commentary on poverty. Alongside these portraits, McGee incorporates bold, geometric patterns inspired by signage and typography. His use of found objects, like scrap wood and discarded materials, adds an element of authenticity and imperfection to his work, reinforcing his anti-commercial stance while still existing within the contemporary art world. By the late 1990s and early 2000s, McGee had successfully transitioned from graffiti to the gallery world, exhibiting at prestigious institutions such as the Walker Art Center, the UCLA Hammer Museum, and the Venice Biennale. Despite his mainstream success, McGee has remained true to his roots, often challenging the commodification of street art. He has created immersive installations that mimic the chaotic layering of urban graffiti, sometimes allowing fellow graffiti writers to tag his gallery shows, blurring the lines between institutionalized art and unsanctioned street graffiti. Living Proof Artist Edition: 005 All Roses, a book by Cheryl Dunn *shipped to our Patreon members for February 2025.

Dash Snow - SACE IRAK: All Roses, a book by Cheryl Dunn for Living Proof. Dash Snow - SACE IRAK was an influential artist, photographer, graffiti writer and cultural icon from New York City. He was born in 1981 into a wealthy family—his grandfather was the famous art collector Christophe de Menil—but he rejected his wealthy background and deeply immersed himself in the downtown New York art and graffiti scene. Snow was a member of IRAK, a legendary graffiti crew from New York City that possessed a creative energy that transcended traditional graffiti, impacting fine-art and high-fashion circles. In the early 2000s, Dash Snow used photography and collage to document his lifestyle— drug-fueled nights, crime, sex, and an unfiltered world of downtown New York. His Polaroids captured the chaos of his existence, giving an intimate glimpse into the subculture. Snow's work explored themes of decadence and self-destruction. His collages and installations incorporated pornography, tabloid imagery, and anti-authoritarian themes. He was associated with artists the likes of Ryan McGinley, Kunle Martins and Dan Colen, forming a group that blurred the lines between fine art, graffiti, and counterculture; immensely influencing New York City’s art and graffiti scene. Snow’s presence in the downtown scene was a living embodiment of New York’s underground movement in the early 2000s. Dash Snow passed away in 2009 at 27 years old. His early death cemented his status as a tragic figure. His story became part of the mythology of New York City’s art scene and his life undoubtedly left a lasting impression. His raw, unfiltered style influenced a generation of artists who sought to capture reality without pretense. His work continues to be exhibited, and his influence is seen in contemporary street photography and art that embraces chaos and imperfection. In the annals of New York, Snow represents a time of freedom and youth in the city. His legacy remains tied to that era of rebellion and artistic innovation. IRAK crew holds legendary status in the graffiti world, and SACE IRAK is one of the all time greats of New York. His work is now collected and sold for significant amounts. His life is unforgettable in both the art and graffiti worlds across generations. Living Proof Artist Edition: 005 by Cheryl Dunn *shipped to our Patreon members for February 2025.

All Roses, a book by Cheryl Dunn for Living Proof. The rise of downtown New York City’s most influential artists, graffiti writers and crews was intimately captured through the lens of Cheryl Dunn. In the early 2000s, the world below 14th street bred an ecosystem of vandalism, underground culture and art; parallel to a darker side of drug addiction and rampant partying. ‘All Roses’ depicts the lives and work of artists such as the late great Dash Snow, Kunle Martins, Craig Costello, Steve Powers and REVS as they were shaping much of what graffiti and contemporary art would become. Cheryl Dunn’s personal connection to the Mission School of San Francisco led to a natural documentation of artists including Barry McGee and Margaret Kilgallen (RIP). These people defined San Francisco’s unique blend of graffiti, folk art, and DIY culture; mixing letter-based bombing with gallery aesthetics, paving the way for graffiti to be accepted in the fine art world. Shoulder to shoulder, San Francisco was a playground for graffiti campaigns. Writers like AMAZE and KR made a lasting impact during this era. The use of Craig Costello’s KRINK in San Francisco was a game-changer as the trademark ink-approach to taking tags became the standard. ‘All Roses’ captures the fleeting moments of New York and San Francisco’s underground art scenes before they were widely known or faded into history. Cheryl Dunn preserved a time when graffiti, skateboarding, and art were all intertwined in a way that can’t be replicated today. Her work is a cultural time capsule of the people who made history without ever trying to. Living Proof Artist Edition: 005 by Cheryl Dunn *Available exclusively on our Patreon. Shipped to our members for February 2025.

All Roses, a book by Cheryl Dunn for Living Proof. 2/05/2025 Living Proof Artist Edition: 005, by Cheryl Dunn. *All Roses will be available exclusively on our Patreon, shipped to our members for February, 2025. Photo: Kunle Martins walking past an EAR fill-in, by Cheryl Dunn.

A-Trak for Living Proof Radio. A-Trak is a DJ & record producer who, at the age of 15, gained wide recognition becoming a World Champion turntabilist in 1997. Coming from Canada, A-Trak and his brother Dave 1 were deeply influenced by the graffiti scenes of New York, Montreal and various European cities. He is widely celebrated for significantly contributing to growth of the electronic dance music scene during the late 2000s / early 2010s. Meanwhile, Dave’s band Chromeo became a trendsetting sensation and earned a Grammy nomination. In 2007 they both co-founded Fool’s Gold Records, an independent record label based in Brooklyn, New York. A-Trak’s work has been featured alongside Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Cam’ron, Lupe Fiasco, Daft Punk, amongst many others. Now, A-Trak & Dave 1 also make music together as The Brothers Macklovitch. *Artwork of A-Trak and Cam’ron by Kunle Martins for “U WASN’T THERE” Now on Youtube, iTunes & Spotify. Full episode on Patreon.

Christian Hosoi for Living Proof Radio. Christian Hosoi is a style icon within skateboarding whose rise to fame stemmed from the style and power he approached skateboarding with. Skating at an early age with the likes of the late great Jay Adams, Tony Alva and Shogo Kubo; Hosoi turned pro at 14 years old and subsequently lived a lifestyle immersed in attention and glory from the media of the day. Hosoi’s career declined in the 1990s due to a long struggle with drug addiction, which culminated in his arrest in 2000 for trafficking 1.5 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and a subsequent prison sentence of nearly five years. During his time in prison, Hosoi turned his life around, finding faith and committing to sobriety. Since his release, he has shared his story of redemption while continuing to skate and influence the industry. Now on our website, Youtube, iTunes and Spotify. Full episode on Patreon.

GREY PVC for Living Proof Radio. GREY PVC is a legendary graffiti writer who has suffered with severe addiction to various substances and today has reached a point of stable sobriety. Through Methadone, GREY was able to get off of street-drugs and develop sound and stable routines. He speaks openly about his time spent in Kensington Philadelphia buying and using drugs. As the drugs consumed his entire life, he began aggressively shoplifting to fund his drug habit. For a time, he considered himself a functioning addict. Eventually he was overcome with illness to the point where he could not physically stand up, this weakness in his body became the gateway to the sobriety he has today. Most known for his iconic graffiti painted throughout San Francisco and New York City, GREY placed an emphasis on the traditional aspect of tags and throw-ups. After a 5 year break from painting to focus on tattooing, GREY began painting the New York City transit, which eventually led to his investigation. Now live on Youtube, iTunes and Spotify. Full episode on Patreon.

GORE-TEX® : Boosted, a book by Living Proof. Since its inception in 1969, GORE-TEX® set the standard for technical fabrics by achieving an ideal balance of keeping users dry from external moisture while allowing sweat to escape. From backcountry hiking to inner city life, GORE-TEX® proves relevant to a multitude of diverse lifestyles. Within the context of graffiti and boosting at large, the technology represents a badge of honor and a marker of prestige. GORE-TEX® was invented by Bob Gore, a chemical engineer who accidentally discovered it while experimenting with stretching PTFE (commonly known as Teflon) and found that rapidly stretching it resulted in a porous material with remarkable properties. GORE-TEX® utilizes a microporous membrane made from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). This membrane is densely packed with tiny pores that are too small for water droplets to penetrate but large enough to allow water vapor (sweat) to escape, creating a truly waterproof yet breathable fabric. The special status that GORE-TEX® retains comes from a combination of its high-performance capabilities and the cultural symbolism it carries in both outdoor and city contexts. This same status has made items waving the GORE-TEX® flag to be an esteemed item within fashion, graffiti and the secondary marketplace. Living Proof Artist Edition: 004. *Boosted, available exclusively on our Patreon, shipped to our members for January, 2025.

Boosted, a book by Living Proof. Boosting refers to the act of shoplifting items, typically from retail stores with an intent of reselling goods for profit. With deep connections to graffiti culture; it becomes a way of life and even an occupation. As a natural extension of the mentality shared by graffiti writers who often operate on the margins of society, boosting is a tradition that provides a means of survival and a maintenance of a certain lifestyle without relying on a conventional job. Circumnavigating the need to pay money for items allows for a broader range of movement without financial barriers. When rising prices and economic inequality make it harder for people to get by, shoplifting becomes an adaptation mirroring how humans have historically gathered resources when access was limited. It involves navigating the environment to acquire necessities in a way that bypasses traditional economic systems. Boosters exploit the vulnerabilities of the retail system and move efficiently while avoiding arrest. As the wealth gap continues to widen, boosting is often a reaction to the harsh economic realities many face. While boosting may appear as mere theft, within the subculture of graffiti, it is seen as a resourceful adaptation and a tradition; challenging the very norms that dictate what is rightfully owned and by whom. Living Proof Artist Edition: 004 *Boosted is available exclusively on our Patreon, shipped to our members for January, 2025.

Boosted, a book by Living Proof. 1/02/2025. Living Proof Artist Edition: 004

TEACH DDS for Living Proof Magazine, Issue 8: The DDS crew began in North London in 1991, originally founded by two brothers. By 1992 TEACH had gotten down with the crew and began painting heavily with one of the founding brothers. Early crew members include SUB, SHU, STAX, DIET, KEDZ, IRISH, FAUM72 and ZOMBY. TEACH describes everyone in DDS as a “protagonist”, everyone plays their part. He was the youngest member of the crew and was part of their notorious London underground campaign in the early 1990s. DDS ran the whole London underground for many years. With increased attention from police, eventually the majority of the members were aprehended. At the time, most graffiti crews in London would be active until apprehension. DDS changed things in that even after apprehension, they remained extremely active. TEACH’s graffiti in both approach and volume made him an iconic London graffiti writer that influenced many generations in the UK after him.

The Piss Drunx were a loose crew of skaters, including Erik Ellington, Andrew Reynolds, Jim Greco and Ali Boulala; known for their reckless partying lifestyle and unfiltered approach to skateboarding. Emerging in the late '90s and early 2000s, their authentic personalities captured on video tape by Beagle led to a level of influence within skateboarding that changed the culture on a global scale. Their original friend group was the foundation of Baker Skateboards and later Deathwish. The videos, such as Baker Bootleg, Baker 2G, Baker 3, and Baker Has a Deathwish, redefined skateboarding media. Providing a window into the lives of the skaters showcasing a mix of hijinks, bails, partying and skating amongst friends. The original crew cemented Baker and Deathwish as brands synonymous with freedom and rebellion. They inspired countless skaters and played a significant role in skateboarding's evolution into what it is today. Even as the Piss Drunx lifestyle mellowed out over time, with many of the members living clean and advocating for positive change, their legacy lives on as a testament to the impact of authenticity in skateboarding.

ZE ONE ACID for Living Proof Radio. ZE is a legendary graffiti writer from South Brooklyn, known for his hardcore bombing style and partnership with the late great RUSH ACID. He gained mass appeal in the early 1990s for his aggressive straightforward approach to graffiti, hitting elevated tracks, motions on subway cars, trucks and streets with legible handstyles and classic New York style throw ups using primarily chrome paint. ZE is part of the ACID Crew (Attack Crush Invade, Destroy), a graffiti crew that has made a significant mark in the New York graffiti scene, with members like the late great RUSH, HOJO, DECO, GOUCH and SOBER. ZE's partnership with RUSH is particularly noted for the style and visibility of their work across Brooklyn and other boroughs.

Kanin Garner for Living Proof Magazine, Issue 8. Kanin Garner is a skateboarder living in New York, originally from South Central Los Angeles. While living in Los Angeles, Kanin began working at Palace’s shop in West Hollywood after getting connected through Daniel Wheatley. Kanin ultimately joined the Palace team and became part of their tight knit family. He gained further prominence in Palace's "Beta Blockers" video, a full-length film shot on Betamax, which was released in 2023. The video showcases Kanin alongside others like Kyle Wilson, Jahmir Brown, and Chewy Cannon. Kanin’s style has solidified his place among the next generation of Palace riders, contributing to the brand's reputation for their authentic approach to skateboarding.

Jahmir Brown is a skateboarder born & raised in Philadelphia who rides for Palace Skateboards. Being one of the last of a generation to have came up at Love Park, Jahmir continues the world famous Philadelphia heritage of plaza skating even after spots like Muni have been shut down. Having been raised in Southwest Philly where skate-industry shots were far & few, Jahmir picked up skating at 5 years old and through years of spending time at his local spots in Philly, he organically found himself riding for Palace through friendships with Jahmal Smith, Chewy Cannon and Brooks. His skating has gained worldwide recognition through his video parts on Thrasher, as well as footage in the Palace videos. Alongside skating, Jahmir spends time DJing, as well as doing creative design and direction for brands. Jahmir Brown for Living Proof Magazine, Issue 8.

TIME for Living Proof Magazine, Issue 8. TIME is a graffiti writer from London who has been described as a person who lives life the way he wishes to, no questions asked. Having been diagnosed with Leukemia at a young age, he places a focus on understanding the shortness of life and realizing that our tomorrows are uncertain. In this world view, enjoyment and experience are key. Despite the mental and physical anguish caused by the illness, TIME decided to continue to live the way he would have normally lived and began traveling to New York. Over the years, he continued to visit and become further known throughout the New York Graffiti scene. His graffiti can be spotted throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn and London. Contrary to most graffiti writers, TIME’s preferred time of day to paint is during the day time when the sun is out; often wearing a high-vis vest when painting during the day to give off the impression of legality. As described by Franklin Carbonatti, “If you want to do something, you do it. You paint in front of anybody at any time, in any area, go into a store, steal anything in front of anybody. Doesn’t matter what it is; if you want it, you’re going to walk out with it. Even if it seems like it’s not going to happen, you’ll still find a way to do it. When I first met you, you told me that there was a time in your life when you were diagnosed with leukemia at a pretty young age. And you told me that during that time, despite what was going on in your mind, you still lived how you would have normally lived. You live by the sword, and that carried on throughout the rest of your life.”

Erik Ellington is an iconic skateboarder who is one of the original members of the Baker Skateboards and Deathwish teams. Ellington, alongside his peers, revolutionized skateboarding with legendary videos like Baker 2G, Baker 3 and The Deathwish Video. These videos presented an unfiltered view of skateboarding at the time with energy that is nearly impossible to replicate. The footage often showed them not just skating, but also fighting, partying, and struggling with the highs and lows of their lives. Ellington has been open about his personal struggles with substance abuse and subsequent sobriety after years of living the lifestyle seen in the videos. His story of positive change and optimism has left deep influence on skateboarders world wide. With involvement in art and design throughout the multiple facets of his life, Ellington was instrumental in developing pro model skate shoes during his time with Emerica and later Supra Footwear. He played a key role in popularizing Baker’s classic aesthetic, and as one of Deathwish’s creative forces, his vision helped Deathwish become one of the legacy companies within skateboarding. As a natural expression of other interests in his life, he has been designing luxury footwear with Human Recreational Services, as well as working on ‘Ellington’, a clothing line which will launch in due time. Erik Ellington for Living Proof Radio. Now on Youtube, iTunes and Spotify. Full episode on Patreon.

Kyle Wilson is a skateboarder hailing from East London who went pro for Palace in 2021. At the young age of 14 Wilson was raised skating South Bank; London’s iconic skate spot situated beneath the Southbank Centre along the Thames River. As a central spot in British skateboarding, it has been a home for skaters, graffiti writers, and urban culture since the early 1970s. From working at Madlands, a temporary indoor skatepark created by Palace Skateboards in London, Wilson went on to join the esteemed Palace team and since then has had multiple pro model decks bearing his name. His skating can be seen in videos such as "Beta Blockers" and "Laust in Translation”. Kyle Wilson for Living Proof Magazine, Issue 8.

10FOOT for Living Proof Magazine, Issue 8. Now available on our Patreon and online shop. 10FOOT is a highly enigmatic and notorious graffiti writer based in London, renowned for his blanket coverage of Britain and cities around the globe with high-visibility tags and throw-ups. As Stuart Hammond described, “10FOOT is something you live with if you live in London… its become impossible to leave your home and go about your life in London without moving past this name.” His output is characterized by consistently targeting physically and legally high risk locations. Having spent a long time in high security prison for graffiti, 10FOOT places his “mangled vision of freedom above health, wealth and liberty”. His style is what he calls ‘shopping list tags and sausage roll dubs’, a clear and legible style pioneered by TOX DDS, who 10FOOT says is the only London writer to be completely uninfluenced by New York. “It’s a style intentionally devoid of flourishes: it is unadorned and it is just THE MESSAGE again and again and again.” -Stuart Hammond Issue 8: Featuring 10FOOT, TEACH DDS, ZOMBY DDS, Always Do What You Should Do, Jahmir Brown, Kyle Wilson, Kanin Garner, TIME, A-Trak, Psycho Active / Zach Neminsky, Buddies Coffee, Olivia Rose, Faith****, Mary Ellen Solt and Amy Ellington. *Patreon members on the “Living Proof Magazine” tier are guaranteed a copy for December 2024, even if the online shop is sold out. photo: David Ai Wang