We painted this freestyle jam a week after the Estria Invitational Graffiti Battle in October. It was a huge honor for me to finally paint with one of the first graffiti artists on the west coast. Cuba started painting in '79 in Baltimore and got serious in SF in '83. It was also an historic moment for me as it was my first mural in Clarion.
Cuba's health is not good, yet no complaints. He just got up on the ladder and did his thing. You got to admire that. Such a cool, humble cat. Doesn't call himself a king despite a long list of firsts under his belt. The man just loves to paint, and you can't help but feel that around him. It's contagious.
Clarion is well known as a mural alley. Whereas SF's first mural alley, Balmy Alley is known for political murals, Clarion is known for being open to subject matter. Yes it does include some hipster stuff.
Thanks to Ceyba for video taping and interviewing Cuba. (We'll post later.) Thank you also for bringing the family and homies and making it a great day to be alive in la Mission.
Photos courtesy Mike Bam Tyau