While visiting the incredible Living Museum housed at the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in Queens Village earlier this week, I unexpectedly came upon a graffiti artist at work. He introduced himself as James Kusel, and when I shared my passion for graffiti with him, he spoke about his experiences back in the day and his current mission to give back.
When did you first get up?
It was during my sophomore year of high school. I was 16 years old.
What inspired you back then?
I was working in a luncheonette in Woodhaven, and I saw the black books of the kids who were also working there. It was love at first sight! And getting up was a great outlet for me. I was a troubled kid – almost always alone – and graffiti gave me something to live for at the time…and a sense of belonging. I was passionate about it.
What were your main spots?
I started hitting the trains immediately. Among the lines that I hit were: the M, J, 7, the E and F and the 2 line. My favorites were the BMT flats. I bombed the outsides of the trains with Krylon and Rust-Oleum, and the insides with Pilots, Unis and Flow Markers. I also hit yards and rooftops. I wrote Aero.
What is the riskiest thing you ever did back then?
Everything I did was risky. Here I was a white kid – piecing at 3 in the morning in the M and J yards while ducking from the cops. It’s not where I should have been. But the riskiest thing I ever did was bombing while I was high on angel dust.
How did your family feel about what you were doing back?
My mother hated it. When she couldn’t take any more of me, she shipped me away to High Point Hospital. I spent 2 ½ years there, and since 1988, I’ve been coming here. I’ve been sober now – free of drugs and alcohol – for 28 years. If I hadn’t been locked up during the height of the crack epidemic, I’d be dead now – like so many of my friends from back in the day.
Have you ever shown your work in galleries or museums – besides the Living Museum?
Yes. I painted a gigantic mural at the Queens Museum in 2002 for its exhibit In the Flow: Artists From the Living Museum. By then I had changed my name to Insane. And I’ve painted and shown murals in alternative spaces when I worked as a DJ.
Have you ever studied art in a formal setting?
No. Why should I? I like to do things my way. I’m too cool for art school!
Did any particular cultures influence you?
Black culture. Most of my friends have been Black. I’ve been raised by that culture.
What’s your favorite place to create art these days?
Right here! I love the Living Museum. The people are wonderful, and I feel as though I am a part of a community of artists. There’s a great sense of camaraderie.
Have you any other particular interests and passions?
Yes! I love music, all music. And I am also a culinary artist and ex-surfer.
Are there any graffiti artists whose works have inspired you?
Yes! Among the artists who’ve inspired me are: Dondi, Zephyr, Duster and Lee.
Any shout-outs?
T-Kid! I identify with him and all that he’s overcome.
What do you see as the role of the artist in society?
To keep his talent, the artist must give it away. That is his role. To share it with others.
What’s ahead for you?
I’d like to create more art expressing positive messages and I want to interact more with members of the community.
Interview conducted by Lois Stavsky with Bonnie Astor and edited by Lois Stavsky; photos 1 & 2 Lois Stavsky
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Great. Job