I love this guy.

 

I love this guy.

Here’s a graffiti artist that is emotionally courageous.

He drills right down to the red-hot center of what he needs.

He stands strong in his vulnerability, bravely confessing the naked yearnings of his heart for all the world to see.

And I love him for it.

I love you, Juan…or Jorge…or Jesus…or Steve..
(I threw that last one in there so you won’t think me racist…And yes, I am assuming he is a man, so go ahead and think me a sexist, but also, know that I’m right.*)

Whoever you are, Mystery Artist, THANK YOU!!
I may not know your name but I know your heart.

There he was, taking a big risk being up on that building at Canal & Broadway in NYC, a busy intersection both day and night, with his big bucket of white paint He knew that the po-po could nab him at any moment and throw him in the big house, the slammer, the joint, the clink…(that’s what the kids are saying these days, right? The clink?)

So why, with stakes like that, would our hero waste time just spray-painting his name??

Case in point:

Thank you for the artistry, Skair, but I’m afraid I don’t understand. What is it that you need from me?

Or, to the anonymous artist who brought us this next rendering;

Why do you bother risking your freedom if only to indulge in your graphomania?
(grapho·ma·nia: : a compulsive urge to write)

But this…

This makes perfect sense to me.

This wondrous creature took the risk because it was well worth it for him to tell his truth to the world.

And, of course, his truth is all of our truths.

I submit that everything we human beings say is some version of this beautiful sentiment.

Check out this handy-dandy translator:

Hi, I’m Rachel = LOVE ME
I went to Northwestern University = LOVE ME
I like your hat = LOVE ME
Fuck off, motherfucker or I’ll punch you in the throat! = LOVE ME

This guy has captured the core wish that lies behind everything we human beings do and say. He was brave enough to get up on that building and broadcast the essential need for all of us; to feel safe, to feel included, to feel respected all of which can be summed up by saying… to be loved.

Thank you, (Pablo…Pedro…Brad?), for having the guts to say it and spray it.

I do indeed love you very much.

Your Friend and Fan,
Rachel

*LOVE ME