Welcome to the first edition of Bridge Talk: The People Behind Graffiti Bridge, where we spotlight the artists, photographers, and caretakers who make this concrete canvas come alive.
We’re kicking things off with TSUDO, a graffiti artist with a pop-art punch, a love for bold color combos, and a style that’s as scattered as it is striking. From his first tag in 2002 to a family mistaking him for a celebrity, Tsudo’s connection to The Graffiti Bridge runs deep and now he’s stepping back into the local scene with a splash of color, a dose of humor, and a heart full of community.
What’s your artist name, and how did you come up with it?
My name is TSUDO. Its a play on words its my pseudonym spelled with the "tsu"nami spelling. I've been so many different names but once I came to this one it just felt like "me"
When did you first paint The Graffiti Bridge?
First time I ever painted the bridge was probably 2002ish. I was probably 12 or 13.
What does the bridge mean to you?
The bridge is an amazing place to come publicly do graffiti and throw up murals with out worry of being bothered, other than a photo or 2. I've made so many connections up there and now that I'm painting on it again, my art is being recognized and praised which was something I was always nervous about.
Do you have a favorite mural you’ve painted there?
My favorite piece I did up there was a ghost from the Pokémon games, silph tower ghost, I did in 2014 or so. (Don't have a pic anymore, gonna re-do).
What inspires your work or style?
My style is definitely a pop art style. I love cartoon style lookin roughed up or haggard with bright color combos. I like as few colors as possible with bold black line work.
Do you plan your murals or paint freestyle?
My process is scattered AF hahaha! I like to think i plan out works, but I usually end up scrapping the planned and go off the dome.
Have you had a memorable reaction to your artwork?
Most memorable moment i have had at the bridge was the time a family pulled over by the locks and came running over to ask to take pictures with me. They thought I was someone famous and thought I was lying when I said I wasn't. When I showed them my Instagram and the maybe 600 followers I had they said "oh, yeah, he's not famous or anything."
Who are some artists (local or global) that influence you?
Artist that influence me gotta be takashi murakami, alec monopoly, parra, Kris markovich, Pete Kelly, and gotta give a shout to some locals, @cheesy_rawsteen, @ryushohashida, @despicable_mo53, @jakemakesjunk. All motivators in my mind! So many things I take from all these people from style to colors to work ethic.
What message do you hope your work communicates?
When people see my art i just want them to smile. I naturally want them to enjoy the piece but ultimately I wanna draw a smile out of all who are able to enjoy my works.
Where else can people find your art (online or in the community)?
If someone were to find my work it'd most likely be on my Instagram for right now. Either @life_bythe_slice or @Tsudo_studio. I do a free art drop yearly and enter some locals events. I am stepping more into the local scene though so will be popping out more at food/art/music festivals all over so stay tapped in!
Do you have a favorite spray paint color or brand?
Favorite brands gotta be montana cans, ironlak spray too. I love all the caps, mostly use fat caps and fine liners for small details. Best trick for detailing though, gotta be the posca super fat mop and 15mm pen.
Music or silence while painting?
When i paint i listen to my music and its on a random Playlist. Can be anything from reggae to metal. Haha.
Graffiti in 3 words?
To me graffiti in 3 words...gotta be creativity, connections, and color.
Leave a comment