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Its Sunday morning. The ill-timed rain from the hours preceding have been swept away leaving the warehouse district shining like a psychedelic wonderland in the bright morning sun. It is 10:30, I’ve just rolled out of bed and still in my pajamas, but with camera in hand and ball cap set firmly on my bed-head, I’m ready to capture the magic and mastery of the third annual Burners and Barbecue. The artists had already been joyfully buzzing away at their work, taking advantage of the blue skies and sunshine. A cornucopia of color is being sprayed and spread on every available surface with expert precision.
Artists from all over the country have answered the call to join organizer, and fellow muralist, Ian Wilkinson in the beautification event. The sixty-seven participants this year included Asheville’s own Alli Good, Scott David Smith and Ashley Weber, along with San Francisco based muralist Martin Webb and Miami’s Renda Writer. Renda, who is promoting world peace through his unique style of handwritten mural art, was so inspired by the event, he added Asheville as a stop on his five city summer tour.
Amidst the aerosol, I had an opportunity to chat with the creator of Burners and Barbecue, Ian Wilkinson:
AB: Wow! What an amazing day watching art in action. This is a huge gift to the area that you have been so dedicated to educating people about street art.
So, this was your third year with this event. What challenges did you experience this year as compared to previous years?
IW: The only difference between this year and the last year’s is more everything. More space more paint more paperwork more variety of artists more fun more work more fun.
AB: What is the difference between mural artists and graffiti artists?
IW: Well for starters it’s graffiti writer. The word artist conjures up images of someone and a turtleneck asking to be handed brushes not be bothered. The graff community has something the muralist can learn from. And that is camaraderie. Muralist are more alone in their pursuits but our presence at this community event helps remove pressure that writers might feel at an event with only writers. It’s a sweet and educational balance for all.
AB: What influence do you hope Burners and BBQ has on the community?
IW: We want this event to astound the public. Raise awareness about the simple power of absolute artistic freedom and its profound effect on our daily lives. Wipe away the lines between art makers and the public. Elevate the culture of wall painters in our city. Make people smile.
Solidify our place in this city.
There’s no doubt he has done just that, and Asheville is a better place for it.
Check out our mural gallery below:
