The Art of Sign Painting with Steve Powers

Known in his early days as graffiti icon ESPO, Steve Powers has been a charismatic figure in both New York's art and graffiti world throughout the past 20 years. Seen all over the streets of Philadelphia, New York, and Brooklyn, his flat top and name have been synonymous throughout these street scenes since the mid-90s. However, after ESPO's success for several years, Steve decided to step away from the shadow lands of graffiti and establish himself as a sign painter. In this episode of Art Talk we accompany Steve to explore his new project "Love Letter to Brooklyn" in the heart of downtown at the old Macy's parking garage. We get a behind the scenes look into his life as ESPO, how his work has developed over the years, and his life as a dad.

[exexalien]

Most people can't explain exactly why analog sounds better than digital; it just does. These hand-painted signs just look better than signs made with stencils or computers (and feel better to look at, too). Truly an under-appreciated art form.

[KelmoMusic]

What I like about the signs is the authenticity of being painted, yet the lines and letters are so clean looking

[Jayro]

Mr.Powers, I saw you at eh S.F. MOMA about two years ago. I went there that day day and had no idea that you had an exhibit there. I went through the whole museum and at the end, I saw you. It made my day.

[FirstHumanimalien]

Shocked to see Espo, stock cap master, being the focus of this video. Old hero. Makes me feel good.

[LiquidPorcelain]

Gotta love when people who dont understand art pass judgement on this guys work, calling it "boring" or "easy". Seriously, try doing this yourself and see how far you get.

[cstarcrista]

i am so in love with this artist's vision. loooove steve powers.

[Samodrei]

"I'm up waiting for you." is a great piece.

[mvj]

@ 7:20 ...The way he said "Within the shadowlands of Graffitti" ...lol

[chetrok]

When this dude was up he probably got up more than anyone of us will ever he was and still is beast at letters

[davidthunander]

visiting NYC in november, def gonna check this out.

[hkkids]

Hey Vice you should do more of these, they are fucking awesome.

[soundwavedm]

I work on Hoyt Street and have always love that installation! Great piece.

[RatkingOddities]

ESPO! when i saw this in my feed I had to stop what i was doing to watch this, great artist

[tracyjames]

This was a great interview, ireally enjoyed it. I am familiar with the graphic production environment and signs produced by hand are getting to be a lost craft, not only are they technically quite difficult, the very nature of creating signs this way is something our culture has disregarded, along with so many other skilled trades that are really more art than craft. thanks for making this.

[JOELAMOREwon]

Super interesting hearing his thoughts on art in general

[jesusnieves]

i love sign making, everything that is brush, paint & surface.

[jeebersjumpincryst]

i loved that!!! please come to this part of the world and paint - would be great here, that real 20s-40s era style thats back in style. some of that was priceless, and im not even an art connoseir. lwaterboard spongebob ride heh heh. the only downer, we were never allowed to see full pictures, complete phrases etc, just snippets, but i will find them, streetview maybe

[michaelpatrick]

As a designer and sign shop owner i appreciate this. I love the art of sign painting. We do a little of both vinyl and sign painting. Of course i would be totally broke right now if i all did was sign painting. I prefere to hand draw my letters and create graphics out of them. It's just more robust for me. But i love a sign painter and i love sign painting. Everyone said it would go away with computers and vinyl. They are both awesome though. A real artist can take advantage of both.

[zammmerjammer]

With only very minor changes, this would make a hilarious comedy short.

[yearsago]

Where the hell do you even begin on a project this huge? Excellent outcome...